Mrs. Barbara Ann Mathis Thornton

After a brave battle conquering cancer in the late 90*s, being a strong working mother, earning a degree, and battling through life with diabetes, her life ended on Sunday, April 15, 2018, at 10:24 A.M. at Four County Health and Rehabilitation Center, Richland, Georgia.

Barbara Ann Mathis Thornton was born January 27, 1952, to Edward Mathis and Ina Bell Geddis Mathis.

She is survived by three children: Edward (Vonita) Thornton, Roderick Thornton, and Tina (Mackkel) Clark; twelve grandchildren: Christopher Weaver, DeMarcus Reddick, Alexis Thomas, Rye'l Thornton, Faith Thornton, Myleka Getter, Na*Miya Getter, Lavaris Tarver, Jr., Makiyah Clark, Kelsi Clark, Ryekel Clark, and Ebone' Monk; three great-grandchildren: Elexa Redding, Jaylen Thomas, II, and Isaiah Crespo.Anyone who was anyone knew the daughters of Edward *Bro* and Ina Mathis. Barbara and her siblings, Edna, Shirley, and Katie helped to facilitate and manage the Mathis Caf* I and II and learned to be hard workers. They flourished in life and carried on their parents* legacy for many years. Then, they became parents of their own. Edna married Robert Davis, and they became the parents of five children: Tamara, Norman, Tony, Gwendolyn, and Bobby. Later, Shirley married Willie J. Sistrunk, and they became the parents of three children: Janice, the late Willie Sistrunk, II, and Relisha; Barbara and Katie*s love of their lives were not far behind. Katie met a scrappy youngster, William Porter, *Pop*, who became a strong man and married Katie. They became the parents of three children: the late Michael Porter, the late Joycequolyn Porter, and William Porter, III. Neck to neck with Katie, Barbara met Robert L. Thornton and became the parents of three children: Edward, Roderick, and Tina. The families grew to be very respectful and tight knitted with the other families in the neighborhood on Old Highway 280 in Cusseta, Georgia. To this day, they call themselves *280 babies*. While they are no longer with us, the Mathis sisters are dearly missed but will not be forgotten. For the Lord has now called all of these angels back home and made a place for them in his Kingdom . . . Amen.
Late teens early 20*s

Late 30*s early 40*s

Barbara worked for the Chattahoochee County School System as a teacher assistant until pursuing a position at Mother Mary School in Phenix City, Alabama. For many years, she was the director of the Pre-K program. Once her mission was completed at Mother Mary School, she followed her heart and returned to Chattahoochee County. She taught there until her heart wanted to pursue more. She loved the Chattahoochee County School System and faculty, but she never settled and always wanted better for her family. She received a degree from Troy State University and another job in education. She achieved everything she wanted until the her health failed to diabetes. Barbara struggled to control her diabetes until her career ended doing what she loved to do so much, Educate!

Late 40*s early 50*s
December 16, 2000, at the age of forty-eight, Barbara received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Troy State University, Phenix City, Alabama.Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. at Kingsville Missionary Baptist Church, Cusseta, Georgia. Interment Service will follow in Beulah Cemetery, Cusseta, Georgia.

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