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Helen Mathis Obituary
Born to the late Dennis and Sarah Smith, Helen was known as "Heavy or Hammy " by family. She grew up and was educated in the schools of West Virginia, graduating from Grim High School. She relocated to the Peninsula in 1941. She worked briefly as a cafeteria worker at Ferguson High School in Newport News.
Mrs. Mathis is a founding member of Gethsemane Baptist Church, Newport News, where she were was a faithful member. She was a member of the Women's Ministry and had a love for her Pastor and church family. It was obvious that Sis. Mathis had a love for others, because many loved and cared for her. She would always put the needs of others over her own, at times even going without so that her children would have the things that they needed.
In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her husband, James Mathis, and siblings, Nathaniel Smith, Alford Smith, Joseph Johnson and Nannie Wells.
Mrs. Mathis has four children left to treasure her legacy: Maggie Twine (Robert) of Smithfield, Va.; Dennis (Vickey) of Norfolk, Va.; Donald (Gloria) of Hampton, Va., and Scarlette (Walter) Grant of Newport News, Va.; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a special nephew, Henry (Sharon) Austin of Annapolis, Md.; a special sister-in-law, Mary Johnson; two dear friends, Effie Brinkley and Evelyn Campbell; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other loved ones.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Provenzano and Dr. Vaughn; Hospice nurses, Gary, Lousette, Zina, Lorraine and Alma, Carolyn Jones and Willye Dawkins Baker; and her two special daughters-in-law, Ann and Jane.
Viewing will be held from noon until 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News, VA 23607; and also two hours prior at the church on Tuesday. Funeral services will be held at noon Tuesday at Gethsemane Baptist Church, Newport News, VA. Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be sent to www.cookebros.com View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Helen Mathis
SCARLETTE GRANT
October 20, 2024
MOM I REALLY MISS YOU SO MUCH YOU HAVE BEEN GONE FOR FIFTEEN YEARS BUT GOD LOVES YOU MORE YOUR GRANDSON IS FIFTEEN TODAY RIH YOUR DAUGHTER SCARLETTE
SCARLETTE GRANT
October 21, 2022
TO MY MOTHER IT HAS BEN THIRTEEN YEARS TO DAY YOU WERE THE BEST MOM I HAVE MISS YOU SO THE DAY THAT GOD CALL YOU HOME THE DAY BEFORE YOUR GREAT GRANDSON WAS BORN MOM YOU WILL ALWAYS BE WITH ME LOVE YOUR DAUGHTER SCARLETTE
October 28, 2009
To the Mathis Family,
My heart and prayers are with you all. Growing up in Harbor Homes she was just like a second mother to my family. I will always remember her and the Mathis family. Hold on to Gods unchanging hand and he will be your comforter during this time. My heart is with you all. Be Blessed.
The Walker Family
Michael, Jeff, Donald,
Lorraine (Cookie), Tracie
October 27, 2009
Scarlette and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. The memories you have of this wonderful mother, grandmother and friend will live on inside of each of you forever. We love you and will keep praying for Gods healing hand to see you through.
Love always,
Margit, Herta, Jerry , Brandon and Mandy
Marian Jones
October 27, 2009
Maggie & Scarlette,
Remember "Weeping endures for a night but Joy comes in the morning." The Joy comes for me when I think of that Sweet Spirit Ms. Helen had. Those times in Harbor Home and you all right down the block from us (UHOP) at Zion Baptist. Her spirit is still here for it shines through her most precious procession, "her children." I am so sorry I can't be there with you all today (10/27/09), but my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Luv Ya'll
Marian Jones
Melanie Espineira
October 27, 2009
Scarlette and family,
Im very saddened to hear the loss of Mrs. Mathis. Your in my thoughts and prayers.
Melanie ( Renal Advantage Inc.)
Freddy Wells
October 26, 2009
Deepest sympathy to the Mathis family from the Wells family the 60s at Zion Baptist were the greatest your Mom & family had a lot to do with it.Take care,my heart is with you all,Love the Wells Family...Freddy & Charmin Wells
Tonya Brewer
October 26, 2009
To the Family of Mrs Mathis,
My heart & prayers goes out to you & the family in the lost of your Mother. May God keep & strength you all in this time of need.
October 26, 2009
To The Mathis Family,Our prayers and thoughts are with you during the homegoing of your Mother. Rejoice evermore, knowing that you will see her again on the other side.
Deepest Sympathy,
Earlene R. Gilliam & Family
October 26, 2009
Big "D" stay stong and know that the Lord is with you during the loss of your mother. Remeber that she is at rest awaiting for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Deepest Sympathy, Evangelist Mary Vann
Flora Randall
October 26, 2009
Scarlette, Jacoby and all of the family, My condolences to all of you but rejoice in knowing that she now lives in God's heavenly home. As the days and weeks go by, may it be special memories and times you spent with her that help you thru. May God bless each of you at this hour.
-Miss Flo
October 26, 2009
Big D and the Mathis Family, I'm truly saddened to hear of your Mothers passing. My deepest sympathy, heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Valerie Benn & Family ~ Hampton, VA
October 26, 2009
To Maggie and Family,
Celebrate a life WELL lived. May you all cherish her memories and may she LIVE forever within your hearts.
Praying for you and your family,
Valerie Martin
October 26, 2009
To my Harbor Home and Zion Baptist Church Family I was surprise and sadden to hear when my mom told me the news. May God be with you and continue to stay close to him now and forever.
Donna Butcher, Petersburg, VA
Dorothy Butcher, Newport News, VA
Rev. Judith Stovell
October 26, 2009
To Scarlette, Maggie and family: My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. Your mom was the greatest! I reflect on the times as I greeted her in the 7:30 a.m service at Gethsemane Baptist Church, she always told me to "sing her happy!" She always had an encouraging word for me. I will miss her greatly, but I know know that she is at peace in the presence of God! Lots of love.
October 26, 2009
Big D' Mathis family I am sorry to hear about your lose but the memory of your mother will stay in people hearts forever God bless Jessica Holley
McCarthy Mathis
October 25, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Annette Crawley & Family
October 25, 2009
Big D, Mathis Family,
Words can not begin to express our sorrow on the passing of your mother and loved one. No bond is greater than a mother and her child.
We may not understand but God saw that she was tired, weary, ready to come home. She is at peace, where there is no hurt, nor pain, no darkness, only the brightness of God's undying love. Hold on to the Master's hand. He will not forsake nor leave you. Please know that we are here for you in your time of need.
Lovingly,
Shelly V
October 25, 2009
To The family of Helen Mathis Iam so sorry to hear of your loss what a remarkable woman one of a kind whom I will sadly miss. I will miss seeing at her visits to doctor Vaughan and to Kim as I have known her for many years.
May God bless during this difficult time and always.
Sincerely,
Shelly with CCOHR-RMG Dr. Vaughan's office
Pat Warren
October 25, 2009
To the Mathis Family:
I was sorry to learn of your mother's passing. My deepest condolences to you all during this difficult time. I remember Miss Helen as such as sweet person during our days growing up in Harbor Homes. May God continue to bless you all!
Pam Whitaker
October 25, 2009
To my lifetime friends I would like to express my love and condolence to you all. I have so many wonderful memories of Miss Helen. She was truely a light in my life. I could always go to her for a motherly spiriual word with a humorous twist. I charish those memories of Miss Helen. No doubt she is at home with our Lord and Savior. Your personel angel is on post. I love you all, Neice, Hot Shot, Scarlette and Donald and will continue to pray for piece wihin your family. May the piece of Christ dwell within your hearts as you go through this process.
In Loving Memory,
Pam Whitaker and the Walker Family
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