Evangelist Barbara Ann Mathis

Ms. Barbara Ann Davis Mathis was born September 24, 1939, to Mr. Paul & Nola Davis of Lafayette, GA who preceded her in death. She was educated in the public school system and graduated from Hill High School. While attending high school she would often work nights alongside her mom at a local café to help pay bills. Barbara was also involved in track and basketball during her high school years. It was nothing for her to score twenty-eight points in a single game. She had a mean left hook shot that would not be denied. She won many trophies and medals.

Barbara was saved at an early age as her mom made sure that her and her siblings attended church every Sunday. She moved to Cincinnati to live with her oldest sister in the mid 1950’s, where she would hold many meaningful positions in the work force as a Governess before settling down to have a family of her own. Barbara wore many hats from mom to minister and many things in between, often volunteering at her children’s schools and ministerial work. She sang in the choir and ushered at First Baptist Church West College Hill, before moving back to down south to care for her mom. Barbara moved many times always connecting her to a ministry where God planted her to work. She attended Antioch Missionary Baptist Church (Chattanooga, TN) and Mount Calvary (Raleigh NC), but no matter where she went, she assisted in whatever capacity she was able to help God’s people.

She returned to Cincinnati when she became ill and needed to be closer to her daughter who assisted in caring for her until she transitioned. She was a faithful member of 2nd Chance Christian Worship Center until she was no longer able to attend due to her health. Barbara was devoted to praying every day and studying the Word of God to whomever would listen.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Paul & Nola Davis; brothers; Paul Jr., James “Jim,” Joe, Ben, and MC; sisters Beatrice “Erlee,” Laura, Kathy, Judie Bell, Florine, Peggy; and her husband Kanashie Mathis, her niece Frieda Davis, brother-in-law Robert Darwin, her grandson Stephen Eugen Wilkins Jr and countless others.

Barbara is survived by her twins Stephen Wilkins & Stephanie Gardner; her grandchildren; Kiyana Wilkins-Polk (Jason) Seattle, WA, Brittany Wilkins-Outlaw (Rodney) Raleigh, NC, Earl Berry (Angela) Chattanooga, TN, Robert Wilkins (Mary)Raleigh, NC James Berry (Sade) Cincinnati, OH, Stephen Michael Wilkins (Yvonne) Raleigh NC, Jaden & Layla Wilkins (T’Kia) Virginia. Great grandchildren: Jamarion, Tamara, Jase, Char’ lee, McKenzie, Jahci, Adrian, Maria, Lare, Earl Jr., Eliejh and Ava. Nephews Jimmy Davis, Michael Davis, Jeff Davis. Nieces Rita and Judy Davis. She also leaves of host of other family members friends and loved ones.

Funeral service will be conducted at 1 pm on Friday, January 6, 2023, Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services, Franklin-Strickland Chapel.

Interment to follow in Lakewood, East.

Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services, Franklin- Strickland Chapel on McCallie Ave is in charge of the arrangements of Evangelist Barbara Ann Mathis and asks that you share your memories of her and your condolences with her family on our website: www.advantagefranklin-strickland.com.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.advantagefranklin-strickland.com for the Mathis family.