DOROTHY LEE MATHIS was born May 15,1945, in Albany, Georgia, to the late Mrs. Velma Teart Rich and the late Mr. Robert Rich.

She received her formal education through the Dougherty County School System and Riley College where she received certification in the nurse’s assistance program.

Throughout the years, Dorothy was employed at Turner Job Corps, Palmyra Nursing Home, and Lee County Nursing Home. Professionally, Dorothy was a dedicated nurse who compassionately cared for many bedridden patients. Families placed their trust in her, knowing their loved ones were in capable and caring hands. She provided not just exceptional medical care, but comfort, dignity, and humanity.

Dorothy was the heart of her family. She found happiness in life’s simple but beautiful pleasures: flowers and time spent gathered around the people she loved most. Her life was a living example of service, devotion, and grace.

As a mother, she gave endless love. She showered her children with love and attention, creating a home that was always open.

Her heart made room for anyone in need, and her family never doubted her unwavering support. She would help anyone in need. Her home was shelter for many who needed it. 

She reminded her family and friends to always “Stay prayed up” no matter the circumstances in life.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her mother, Velma Teart Rich; father, Robert Rich; brother, Robert Rich, Jr.; sister, Josephine Anderson; daughter, Felicia Mathis Johnson; grandson, Terrance Vershawn Mathis; son-in-law, Darren Ball; and best friend, Betty Williams.

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a beautifully lived life, we celebrate the life of a loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, nurse, and friend.

She leaves to cherish her memories a husband, Jimmie Lee Mathis Jr.; six children, Kim Lee Mathis (Connie Mathis), Dorothy Denise Tolbert (John Tolbert), Janice Elaine Ball, Shawanda LaShawn Mathis, Calandra Latrelle Mathis, and Jimmy Undrae Peters; three sisters, Velma Rich Smith, Edith Rich Davis, and Vienna Lorain Buchannon; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Betty Rich; son-in-law, Stacey Johnson; and a host of grandchildren, great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the family she held together, the lives she healed, and the love she gave so freely. Her warmth will forever remain in our hearts.