Jo Ann Mathis

On October 31st, 2026, the Mathis and Belong families lost a guiding light as Jo Ann Mathis passed away at the age of 90 after battling cancer.

Jo Ann “Mammy” Mathis, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord, was and always will be a source of joy and peace to all who loved her. Jo Ann was a light to her loved ones – radiant and enduring, warm and comforting. She is remembered for her easy laughter and timeless grace.

Born in a farmhouse outside of Parker, Kansas and raised in Lyons, on July 13, 1936, Jo Ann grew up surrounded by a loving family where she was blessed with two brothers and three sisters. She deeply cherished her childhood memories and worked hard to keep her relationships with her family close.

In 1953, Jo Ann married her first husband Lawrence Adams and spent time living in Germany. She built friendships that lasted through many hardships and still thrived until the end of her life.

In 1977, Jo Ann married Charles Mathis, beginning a beautiful chapter that brought them 40 years of marriage. She never hesitated to show kindness and love to every member of the family she joined. Together, Jo Ann and Charles spent years traveling, building friendships, and were deeply involved with the church.

Jo Ann’s hard work and undeniable charm led her through an impressive career, culminating in being named the #1 Territory Sales Manager in 1985 while working for Coty Cosmetics. She retired after 27 years in 1988. After retirement, she dedicated many years to the Oak Crest Women’s Club where she served under many roles and gained beautiful friendships.

Affectionately known as Mammy, she loved her family beyond measure. She brought us happiness and laughter every day with her kind heart. The legacy she leaves is reflected not only in the generations who follow her, but also in the love, encouragement, and treasured memories she gave so freely. Jo Ann found strength, peace, and purpose in her faith in Jesus Christ. While her family grieves her passing, they take comfort in knowing that she is now rejoicing in the open arms of her Heavenly Father.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Roy and Ruth Belong, her sister Helen Adams, her brothers Byron Belong and Bill Belong, and her husband Charles Mathis. She is survived by her loving children, Melonie Juby and Monya Mathis; her sister Carol Forrest; her sister-in-law Valerie Belong; her niece and nephew-in-law Teresa and Steve Murray; and her nephew and niece-in-law Gary and Linda Adams; nine grandchildren: Nicole Whittington, Heather and Jonathan Rose, Randi Ross, Mason Powell, Ryan Powell, Michelle and Kenneth Henson and Charles Juby; five great-grandchildren: Katelyn Whittington, Trinity Whittington, William Rose, Jameson Molina and Westley Rose; and a beautiful community of friends and loved ones, too numerous to name here.

A celebration of her life will be held at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, December 1 st, at Christ Wesleyan Church (temporarily located in Freedom Life Fellowship), 709 W. Midway Dr, Euless, TX 76039.

In lieu of flowers, small donations can be made to the following causes that remained near and dear to her heart.

- Christ Wesleyan Church of Bedford, TX building fund: https://www.cwcbedford.com/giving/

- Abiding Life Fellowship: https://abidinglifefellowship.org/

- Whosoever Will Outreach Ministries: https://www.jackiehollandministries.org/donate