Barbie Jean (Mathis) Saunders

Barbie Jean Mathis was born on January 22, 1957, in Alton, Illinois, to the late Joe Willie Mathis Sr. “Joe Bill” and Annie Laura Slate Mathis.  Soon after she was born, they returned home to Oxford, Mississippi, with family to start their life.  

Barbie Jean grew up in West Springhill Community of Oxford and enjoyed spending time with family and friends throughout the neighborhood. She received her early education in the Oxford Public School District, graduating with the Oxford High School class of 1975. Cooking delicious meals, taking care of her siblings, sewing, and designing clothing was just some of the gifts and talents that God blessed her with.   In 1979, at the age of 22, she decided to leave her hometown of Oxford, with her daughter, Shunetta, and began her new life in St. Louis, Missouri, where she stayed for more than 40 years.  

 Barbie accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at Rivers Hill Church of Christ in Oxford, Mississippi.  She later united with Oil of God Church, in St. Louis, Missouri, under the leadership of Apostle Ariette Williams.  In 2017, she returned home to Oxford, Mississippi and united in fellowship with His Harvest Ministries, under the leadership of Apostle Eyvonne Smith. 

Barbie’s career began as a computer software engineer with Kellwood Company, Federal Reserve Bank, EDS, Verizon Wireless, and later retiring after 18 years of service from The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department as an IT engineer.  

Barbie continued her educational journey and received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a double Master’s in Business Management and Public Health, respectively, from Colorado Technical University.  She was on her way to pursuing her Doctorate degree when her mother fell ill 2017.   

In 1984, Barbie met her beloved husband, Elbert Saunders, who proceeded her in death and to this union, two children were born (Nikisha Catherine and Nicholas Andrew). Barbie loved to be an angel to her family and friends and would help whenever and however you needed her.  She was truly a blessing, with a huge heart and a smile that would light up a room.  Her beauty and style were the epitome of elegance and good taste.  

We never know the path God has for us, but we accept His Will and follow His path. Barbie’ path was redirected suddenly and on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at “Evelyn’s House Hospice Facility” in St. Louis, Missouri, her journey on this path was completed when she received the highest degree possible, her Doctorate of Eternal Life. 

To cherish her memory, Barbie leaves three children, her daughters: Shunetta Marie (Kevin) Daugherty and Nikisha Catherine (Keith) McKinney, and her son: Nicholas Andrew, all of St. Louis, MO,  2 step sons Kirk Saunders and Dewayne Powell both of St. Louis, MO; 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandson: Kyren Jaran; 5 brothers: Joe Willie Mathis Jr., of Oxford, MS, Eddie Mathis of Olive Branch, MS, David and Daniel Mathis of Davenport, IA, and Calvin Mathis of Waukegan, IL; brother in law: Albert (Laquita) Saunders of St. Louis, MO; 2 aunts: Cassie Washington of St. Louis, MO and Faye (L.C.) Turner of St. Louis, MO; and 1 uncle: Roscoe Slate of Oxford, MS.  She also leaves to cherish her memory a special friend: Joe Barr and his daughter, Kaylee Barr; parents: Oddis & Loretta Barr and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Barbie was proceeded in death by her husband and her parents, along with two sisters: JoeNanda “Joanne” Mathis of St. Louis, MO and Ferlinda Faye Mathis, of Oxford, MS, and stepdaughter: Lakida Powell of St. Louis, MO. 

Please keep the Saunders/Mathis family in your prayers