Celebrating the life of . . . . James "JW" Willie Mathis
March 16, 1939 - July 8, 2023
Family Gathering: 510 Barnwell Street
Thomasville, NC 27360
Public Visitation: Friday, July 14, 2023 1-6 pm
S. E. Thomas Funeral and Cremation Services
110 Highland Avenue
Thomasville, NC 27360
Funeral Services: Saturday, July 15, 2023 12:30 pm
Brown New Calvary Baptist Church
200 Doak Street
Thomasville, NC 27360
His Journey
On March 16, 1939, the late George and Fannie Mae Cooper Mathis were blessed with a son, James Willie Mathis of Newberry, South Carolina. On July 8, 2023, God whispered, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.”
“J.W.” as he was affectionately known by family and friends received his early education from the Church Street School, Davidson County School System. At a young age, he met and married the love of his life, Wincy Pickett. They were happily married for 62 years and to this union four children were born, Marcus, James, Stephaine and Andre. J.W. was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Determined to lead by example and provide for his family he worked for Thomasville Furniture Industry as a Product Engineer while gaining his Bachelor of Science Degree in Management from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. His quiet and humble spirit gained him the respect of his peers and fellowmen.
J.W. was a member of Brown New Calvary Baptist Church where he faithfully served in several capacities: Trustee, Chairman of the Financial Committee, Deacon and Youth Director. He was also very active within the community leaving a valuable impact on the community as a Boy Scout Leader, City Council Member, founder of The Pat Troop Theater, Sickle Cell Foundation and Thomasville Jaycees Club. He will dearly be missed by all.
In addition to his parents, J.W. was preceded in death by one brother, Roosevelt Mathis.
He leaves a legacy of love to his devoted wife, Wincy Mathis of the home, three sons, Marcus Gibson of Lexington, NC, James (Tammy) Pickett and Andre Mathis both of Thomasville, NC, one daughter, Stephanie Mathis Howze of Thomasville, NC; nine grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, seven great great-grandchildren; one sister, Thelma Mathis of Thomasville, NC and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
