Nona Francis (Banks) Mathis

Nona Francis Mathis, daughter of the late Samantha (Quarles) and Will Banks, was born April 28, 1933, in Lafayette County, Mississippi. As a child, Francis, as she was affectionately known, accepted Christ, was baptized and became a member of Cypress Grove M.B. Church in Oxford, Mississippi, where she remained a member until she was called home to glory.

Francis received her early childhood education in the school district of Oxford. She later was united in holy matrimony to Early William Mathis, and to this union nine children were born. Four sons and five daughters. Francis was a dedicated wife and remained faithful and committed to her husband until his death.

She was a strong woman. One who enjoyed fishing, cooking, playing cards, growing flowers, and taking care of her grandchildren even after raising nine of her own. She loved to hear Rev. Eddie Goliday sing, “I’ll Fly Away.”  After her youngest child was school age, Francis gained employment with the Holiday Inn Hotel in Oxford, Mississippi where she worked in housekeeping for 35+ years.

On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, after a long battle with health issues, and surrounded by her loving family, the Lord saw fit to remove Francis from the toils of this life. He peacefully came and took His 90-year-old child home.

To cherish her loving memory, she leaves her children: four sons: James Mathis, Perry (Willie Lois) Mathis, David Mathis, and Milton Mathis and five daughters: Bettie Turnage, Vivian Goliday, Lydia (Lee) Pegues, Marie Mathis, and Jeanette (Kenneth) Pegues, all of Oxford, Mississippi; a stepson: David Earl Hilliard; 18 grandchildren, and 31 great grandchildren. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Francis was preceded in death by her parents, Samantha and Will Banks; her sister: Doris Cathey; a stepson: William Earl Msthis and stepsister: Florence Hilliard; her brother: Willie Banks; stepbrothers: Oliver Quarles and M C Quarles; and two grandchildren: LaTavious Oneal Price and Ma’Nya Nacole Smith.