Versie M. Mathis was born on May 24, 1944 in Halifax County, North Carolina to the late Lucrecia Branch and Albert Saums. She departed this life on September 22, 2025.

Versie was educated in the North Carolina Public School System. She moved to Trenton, New Jersey in the early sixties to begin a new life after graduating high school. She met and married the late Forest Mathis Jr. until his death in 1997. They moved to Willingboro in 1977 where they raised their five children: Shawn, Charlene, Forest, Kevin, and Patricia.

Versie received her LPN nursing diploma in 1974. She began her nursing career working at various hospitals before transferring to New Libson Developmental Center in 1979 until she retired in 2006. Versie loved caring for her clients, was a dedicated employee, and supportive of the staff. Versie enjoyed her role as a Union Shop Steward. She was smart, fearless, and a champion for individuals’ rights. She was passionate about always supporting the “underdog”. While working there, she bonded with co-worker, Rose Brown “Rosie”, and they became lifelong friends.

Versie enjoyed socializing with friends, reading, listening to music, watching court shows, and religious sermons. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and offering words of wisdom.

In addition to her parents and spouse, Versie was predeceased by her siblings: Melvin Branch, Brenda Branch, Edward Branch, Brother-in-law Clinton Mathis and special friend, William Parks.

She leaves to cherish her memory her five children: Shawn Cannon Sr. (Helen), Charlene Williams (Gregory), Forest Mathis III, Kevin Mathis, and Patricia Mathis. Her grandchildren: Shawn Cannon Jr., Erika Cannon, Lance Hudson, Kia Fontane, Aaron Williams, Eric Williams, Ashley Bradley, Michael Mathis, Azzaya Mathis, Kelvin Mathis, Tatyana Mathis, Dejenee Mathis, Christian Mathis, and Donovan Mathis. In addition to two sisters-in-laws, Catherine Boyce and Emma McKinnon, and a host of great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, former daughter-in-law Renee Mathis, and special friends.