Submitted by: Dan Rich
Feb. 6, 1931 - April 5, 2003
South Bend Tribune 4/8/2003
E. Florence Mathis, 72, of South
Bend, Ind., passed away Saturday, April 5, in Regency Place.
Florence was born on Feb. 6, 1931, in
Arkansas, to Charlie and Easter (Smith) Burgess,
who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were two
children, Joy Mathis and Kenny Mathis, and one brother, C.M.
Burgess. On Oct. 18, 1948, Florence married William E. Mathis,
who survives. She is also survived by a daughter, Carol (John) Rybak
of South Bend; four sons, Ronnie (Stephanie) Mathis of Marietta,
Ga., Scotty Mathis of New Carlisle, Ind., Gregory Mathis of
Naperville, Ill., and Tim (Debbie) Mathis of Mishawaka, Ind.;
eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and by three
sisters and four brothers. As the wife of a minister, Florence
was very active in the Westside Landmark Missionary Baptist
Church. She was part of the Ladies Auxiliary and was a Sunday
School teacher.
Viewing will be held today, April 8, from 11
a.m. until noon in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower
Road, South Bend. Funeral services will be held today, April 8,
at noon in St. Joseph Funeral Home, with burial to follow at
Sumption Prairie Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to
the W. L. Missionary Baptist Church.