Mother Verna Elizabeth Mathews

On a bright spring day, Verna Elizabeth Williams was born to Charlie and Zadie Williams in Monticello Jasper County, Georgia; the sixth of eight children- all of whom have preceded her in death. It was revealed by her siblings that she the apple of her father's eye due in part to her frail health in her youth. Even though her future was uncertain, by human standards, God's will reigned supreme in that she survived to become the woman of His plan. She met a young man: Jesse Mathews, Jr. They were married on September 7, 1946 in Morgan County, Georgia. To this union, eight children were born: Freddie Lee, Sr., Ronald Eugene, Sr., Anthony Charles, Carolyn Annette, Rosalyn Michele, Jessica Anita, Beverly Diane, and 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. When her children were older, she provided private in-home care for 12-15 years. She grew up in her home church but developed a personal relationship with the Lord in her early adult years. As her relationship with the Lord deepened, she acknowledged a call to mission work as well as being anointed to teach. For several years, she served as taught Bible Study for participating seniors at the community's Senior Citizens Club. She served as the president of the local Home Mission Department and remained an active member of this department until her health began to decline. Mother Mathews, as she was affectionately called, was an avid seamstress and flower gardener, exuding love as she freely embracing anyone within her reach. Her words of encouragement were always given with a smile and will never be forgotten. They continue to reverberate even now- "God's been good to us...and still is!" Preceding her in death are Adriane Denise and one grandchild, Crystal Celeste. She leaves to mourn her passing her devoted husband of 78 years, Jesse and her 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; 27 grandchildren; 48 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and numerous adopted son and daughters.

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Mother Verna Elizabeth Mathews

March 7, 1928 - August 26, 2024