Wanda Faye Mathis

Obituary
Wanda Faye Mathis
"Wings Granted August 4, 2011"

Wanda Faye Fort Mathis was born on November 21, 1949 in Texarkana, Texas to Wiley Fort, Jr. and Ardeen Johnson Fort. She grew up in Texarkana, Texas and although from humble beginnings pursued her passion of education early on and graduated as Salutatorian of her local high school. She attended college at East Texas State University where she earned a Master's Degree in Education. She went on to become a faithful educator for almost 40 years while teaching in Texas and later in Colorado where she lived for the past 25 years. She taught at almost every grade level from 1st through college.
She is survived by her husband Dr. Larry Jonathan Mathis and three children; Persephonie LaTonja Mathis, Eyen Folorunso Mathis and Rahshaad Ahmad Mathis along with three grandchildren; Imani Faye Mathis, Nia Mathis and Myles Mathis, all of Aurora, Colorado.
She was second to the oldest of eleven siblings including Shirley James, Verna Cellers, Kurrey Allen, Vanessa Buchanan, Keith Fort all of Texarkana, TX; Rosalynn Feagins of Aurora, Colorado; Alice Johnson of Mississippi; Herman Fort of Baltimore, Maryland; Shaun Fort of Florida and Brenda Williams (deceased). Also, there were a number of other relatives including stepchildren; Pamela, Sharron and Malcolm along with a host of nieces, nephews, sister and brother-in laws and cousins.
Wanda was a faithful person who came to know Christ at an early age. She never wavered in her faith throughout her battle with illness. She was a woman who could brighten up any room with her cheery disposition and encouragement. Anyone who knew her knows that she was AWESOME. A wonderful teacher, she made her classroom exciting with colorful bulletins, fun games and even started a dance group called the "Mathis Dancers" that performed every year in the school talent show. During her tenure at South Lakewood Elementary, Wanda touched the lives of hundreds of children teaching some how to read and write and others preparing for middle school. It is no surprise that after 25 years, her impression has been left on entire families teaching all of their siblings and friends. She was a joy to colleagues and friends always available to help when or where she could.
She was also an extraordinary mother of 3 of her own children teaching them the value of kindness and human decency at an early age. She taught her children to love God and one another and to be of service. Ever the optimist, she always was full of great advice and a source of trusted counsel for her children. She was a wonderful wife and support system for her husband, Larry for almost 40 years.
Wanda, although you are gone from this earth, you will be greatly missed, your spirit will live on forever and you will never be forgotten.