Mother Barbara Jean Mathis

On October 13, 1945, Emma Lee Mathis and Sam Mathis brought into this world their eldest daughter, Barbara Jean Mathis. God graced us with a devoted, divine, delicate angel who was a devoted mother, nurturing grandmother, caring sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and Woman of God. Barbara is the oldest of 13 siblings. Through her strong Christian experience Barbara began her life of service she was fiercely committed to her five children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, her church and her God. Through good times and tough time’s family and friends, she strongly believed that “only what you do for God will last”

Barbara was a native of Valdosta Georgia and spent the last 38 years as a native of Miami Florida, she attended Pine vale High and was a graduate of Miami Dade Community College. Barbara had a knack for turning the ordinary into the extra ordinary in the environments in which she lived, worked and served. Like her mother, she was a non – sense woman who ‘ chased after God, her life was governed by the Lord and she ministered under the unction of the Holy Spirit. She joined the Pastoral leadership of Reverend Carl Johnson of 93rd Street Community Baptist Church. She worked and served on the Mother board, the Mission Ministry, and was a Willing Worker. She served many families in need, in their hour of bereavement, catered their repasts, visited the sick and shut –in.

In the early 80’s Barbara started supporting her local community. She served as vice-president of Earlington Heights-Olinda Home Owner Association District 3 under Commissioner Audrey Edmonson. Barbara was a true servant of God and he made her name great through the treasure He placed in her - an earthen vessel as a woman with the gift of helps.

Barbara was preceded in death by her mother, Emma Lee Brown, her father, Sam Mathis, four sisters, Elizabeth, Geraldine, Pearline, Cynthia, and Judy.

On March 8, 2013, Mother Barbara Jean Mathis closed her eyes at Memorial West Hospital and opened her eyes in Joy led forth in peace. The mountains and hills busted into song before our God and all the trees of the fields clapped their hands as Heaven rejoiced (Isaiah 55:12). No more cancer, no more pain, no more troubles of the world.

Barbara leaves to cherish her life and legacy her loving five children, three daughters, Vera C. Bunion (Alex) Debra A. Bradley (Darryl), Arlene Fenderson (Michael), Two sons, Oscar L. Griffith Jr. (Greta), Timothy L. Griffith (Meisha), nine grandchildren, Carlos, Samara, Danique, Sherrick, Zachary, Darriale, Oscar III, Shemar, Timiya, two great grandchildren, Carlos Jr.and Karis Bee. Five sisters, Annie Pride (Leon), Brenda Bauknight (Charles), Dianne Mathis, Joan Mathis, and Debra Mathis, three brothers, Kenneth Brown, Eric Mathis, and Steven Mathis. Jones, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, a special cousin Emma Lee Williams, a loving care giver Mother Reed, God son, Torey Jones, Pastor and Lady elect Carl and Queen Ester Johnson, Pastor Fernie and Mary Johnson. Barbara has a host of many relatives, friends, associates, who mourn her passing and are celebrating her life, including 93rd Street Community Baptist Church family.

Barbara lived, loved, and laughed and now sleeps in the sure and certain hope that she will be resting in paradise until we all meet the Lord in the air.

The homegoing celebration for Mother Barbara Jean Mathis will be held Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 10:00am from the sanctuary of 93rd Street Community Baptist Church.

Funeral services and arrangements entrusted to Grace Funeral Home, Miami, FL.

The family will received friends Monday, March 18 at the chapel of Godfrey Funeral Home from 1:00pm-3:00pm.

Interment will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery at 4:00pm.

Local arrangements entrusted to Godfrey Funeral Home, LLC.