Regina P. Mathison

Regina Parnell Mathison, age 73, of Gulfport, Mississippi, passed away on December 26, 2025.

Regina was born on February 20, 1952, in Hansboro, Mississippi, to Reginald and Thelma Parnell. She was the oldest of three children and is survived by her brother, Tommy Parnell. She was preceded in death by her parents and her youngest brother, Russell Parnell.

Regina attended Mississippi State University, where she met Keith Mathison of Prentiss, Mississippi. They were married on August 11, 1973, beginning a loving partnership that spanned more than five decades. Regina dedicated 32 years to teaching in Lawrenceville, Georgia. For 30 of those years, she taught fifth grade, primarily at Benefield Elementary School, and spent her final two years teaching ESL kindergarten. Regina loved every student who walked through her classroom doors as if they were her own, leaving a lasting impact on countless young lives.

Known for her adventurous spirit, Regina enjoyed traveling, hiking, spending time outdoors, and bird watching. Above all, she deeply cherished her nieces and nephews and the time she spent with them. She is survived by her husband, Keith Mathison; her brother, Tommy Parnell, and his wife, Rebecca; her niece, Sarah Parnell Wade, her husband Richard, and their children, Remington and Ryder; her nephew, Sam Parnell, his wife Rachel, and their children, Rebekah, Luke, and Kate; and her niece, Savannah Parnell Knight, and her husband, Caleb.

A funeral service honoring their life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Handsboro Methodist Church, located at 2333 Demaret Road in Gulfport, Mississippi.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of South Mississippi.

Riemann Family Funeral Home of Gulfport is honored to walk alongside the Mathison family with compassion and care during this time of remembrance.