Barbara Jean Mathis

   Barbara Jean Cavitt Mathis was born September 5, 1953 to Britton and Juanita Cavitt in Houston, Texas.  At an early age she was baptized and became a member at Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. T.J. Compton. During her life time, she fellowshipped with several other churches and was faithful to all.    Barbara attended HISD public schools: Dogan Elem., Isaacs Elem, Key Middle and Kashmere High School where she graduated in August 1971.     Her higher education was at Texas Southern University where she received her B.A. Degree in Spanish and M.Ed.in Education. She was able to combine her degrees to teach her greatest love, bilingual education/Spanish to numerous students in North Forest School District for 36 years. During her tenure in the district she was recognized as Bilingual Teacher of the Year and sent to study in Mexico to continue her Spanish fluency several summers.     She was married to Dalvy Mathis on July 22, 1978.  To this union two children were born---Berchelle Sheree and Rolando Dalvy (deceased).    Barbara was involved in numerous activities/organizations:  Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.(Silver Star); Eastern Star(Shriner Level); Cheerleader and Tiger Mascot at Texas Southern University; East Houston Athletic Association parent(Orioles); BMX Bicycle Racing Club parent; and Junior Blue Cheerleaders parent (Houston Oilers).    Preceding her in death are: Father, Britton Cavitt; Grandmother, Lenora Wilson; Son, Rolando Mathis; Father-in-Law, Willie Mathis; Grand-in Laws, Hugh and Rosa Lee Anderson.     She leaves to cherish her memories:  her husband Dalvy Mathis; her mother, Juanita Cavitt; her daughter, Berchelle Mathis Haynes and son-in-law, Terrence Haynes; her sister, Lana Cavitt Reece; her mother-in-law, Doris Mathis; her sister-in-laws, Montra Allen (Gerry) and Torgy Garcia; a very special and loyal friend, Diana Castilow Merritte; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.