Jesse Thomas Mathews

On July 6, 1924, 100 amazing years ago, in a quiet place called Green County, Georgia, Jesse and Mattie Lou Mathews welcomed their first-born child into the world. He was fine, strong son and they named his Jesse Thomas Mathews. Six other children followed him: two sisters (Odessa and Bertis) and four brother (Clifford, L.C., Willie, and Herbert) all of whom are deceased except the youngest brother, Herbert Mathews. From his early years, Jesse was a determined young man; a natural born leader in the making. He excelled in his early education and learned an array of life skills from his father and many other mentors. He accepted Christ at an early age just before enlisting in the United States Navy, serving during World War II. Upon his discharge, he married the woman that fit his dreams of a wife and mother-Verna Elizabeth Williams. To this union, eight children were born; Freddie Lee, Sr., Ronald Eugene Sr., Anthony Charles, Carolyn Annette, Rosalyn Michele, Jessica Anita, Beverly Diane, Adriane Denise. She and her husband successfully parented their eight children and several grandchildren, providing a healthy home environment laced with Godly principles and practices. He embarked on a deeper walk with God after moving his family to Altamonte Springs, Florida in the fall of 1952. It was during these years of spiritual growth that he found his "calling" in the body of Christ serving emphatically as a Deacon for more than 55 years. Not only did he have compassion for the people of God, but he cared deeply for the house of God and it's leaders. He poured into this God-given assignment a talent for building, renovating, and maintaining the church house. Additionally, he was teacher and mentor who modeled the Biblical principles of the responsibilities of a trusted Deacon, husband, and provider. He had several secular jobs but retired from Florida Rock, Inc. after 25 years of service. Deacon Mathews was avid fisherman, cook, and a skilled mechanic' actually, a jack of all trades-mastering them all. You had to be close to him to know that he had a "crack-you-up" sense of humor and LOVED laughing. The first portion of Proverbs 17:22 says, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:" and he was sure to get his daily dose. He always had an encouraging word that directed his listeners to the Word of God is going to be fulfilled!" Preceding him in death are his wife of almost 78 years -- Mother Verna Mathews, daughter -- Adriane Denise, and other grandchildren -- Crystal Celeste. He leaves to mourn his passing his remaining children: Freddie Lee, Sr. - Topeka, KS; Ronald Eugene, Sr. - Atlanta, GA; Anthony Charles (Wilhemeina) - Sandy Springs, SC; Carolyn Annette - Altamonte Springs, FL; Rosalyn Michele (Dr. George) - Alachua, FL; Dr. Jessica Anita (Alvin) - Valdosta, GA; Beverly Diane - Altamonte Springs, FL; Claude Allen - Altamonte Springs, FL; 27 grandchildren; 48 great grandchildren; and 9 great-great grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and an abundance of adopted son and daughter.

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Jesse Thomas Mathews

July 6, 1924 - October 12, 2024