Jean Mathews

Jean Marie Courtney Mathews, 87, of Grove Hill, Alabama passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on December 15, 2025, following a hard-fought battle with cancer. She was born October 5, 1938, in Jackson, Alabama. Jean, known as Jean Marie to her oldest friends and lovingly called Mother, the name she cherished most, by her grandchildren and friends who were like family was the daughter of the late Amos and Willie B. (Joiner) Courtney.

She graduated from Jackson high school in 1957 and furthered her education at Samford University. She returned to Jackson and married Gayle Mathews and together they raised two children. After several jobs in her younger years, she began a career in accounting at Boise Cascade. After retirement, she was an active member of her community, volunteering her time at the local museum keeping their books. She was a member of the Southern Magnolia Women's Club that raised money for several charitable causes in the community. You could always find her in the kitchen cooking for her family and friends. She was best known for her chicken and dumplings and gumbo. She rarely missed an opportunity to support her grandchildren and took great joy in attending their numerous sporting events and school activities. Being present for them was one of her greatest joys.

Jean is survived by her husband Gayle, her children Tommy (Debra) Mathews, Courtney (Timmy) Windham; her grandchildren; Mallory, Thomas, Mathew, Will, Brianna, Lauren and Blake Bolen. Her great grandchildren; Emerson, Cole, Ryser, Merritt, Poppy and Sawyer, her sister. Linda C. Brown; and nieces and nephews and dear friends.

Jean was preceded in death by her brother, A.L. Courtney, Jr.

The family will receive friends from noon until 1 PM at Lathan Funeral Home in Jackson, Alabama, followed by a graveside service at Trinity Memorial Cemetery where Jean will be laid to rest.

Pallbearers will be Mathew Windham, Will Windham, Thomas Mathews, Timmy Windham, Christopher Brown and John Ryser

Jean with her kind spirit, generosity, and compassion, touched the lives of so many. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and anyone who knew her.