Annie Lois Mathis was born on December 16, 1955, in Sylvester, Georgia, to the late Henry Lee Mathis and Beatrice Mathis. She was the sixth of eight siblings, growing up in a large, loving family that remained close throughout her life.

In 1966, Annie moved to Moultrie, Georgia, where she attended and was educated in the Moultrie school system. In 1976, she relocated to Camden, New Jersey, where she established a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and lasting friendships.

Annie accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and became a faithful member of the United Methodist Church of Camden, New Jersey. She loved the Lord with all her heart and faithfully served Him throughout her life. As a member of the Garner Singers, Annie traveled to churches, using her beautiful voice to spread the love of God through song. Her favorite verse was Psalm 91, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Annie dedicated her career to serving others. She worked as a nurse’s aide at Maple Shade Convalescent Center, where her caring spirit comforted many. She later worked for the McGraw-Hill Educational System, grading papers for K–12 students. Annie also worked as a bartender, where her outgoing personality and welcoming smile made her a favorite among everyone she met. She truly enjoyed the nightlife and had a gift for making people feel at home.

Anyone who knew Annie knew she had a heart full of love. She was loving, caring, compassionate, and always willing to help someone in need. She had a way of making everyone feel like family and never hesitated to offer a listening ear, a kind word, or a warm embrace.

Annie loved music and especially enjoyed listening to Billy Ocean. She also loved watching her favorite television shows, including The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, and the classic western Tombstone. One of her favorite movies was Titanic.

She had a green thumb and found joy in caring for her plants, which she nurtured with the same love she gave to the people in her life. Annie also had a favorite snack which was Nutter Butter wafer bars paired with sharp cheddar cheese and an ice-cold Pepsi. In fact, if you knew Annie, you knew she was always going to ask someone to “run to the store and get me a Pepsi.” It became one of the many little things that made her uniquely Annie and will forever bring smiles to those who loved her.

Annie was an enthusiastic and devoted Philadelphia Eagles fan. She loved cheering on her team and often called others to discuss the game. She would always yell, “Fly Eagles Fly!”

Annie was truly the life of every family gathering. Her laughter was contagious, her stories unforgettable, and her presence could brighten any room. Whether she was singing, dancing, joking, or simply enjoying time with her loved ones, Annie made every occasion more special just by being there. She had a remarkable ability to bring people together, and her love for family was evident in everything she did.

Annie leaves to cherish her precious memory her beloved children, Jasmas Mathis, Johnathan Garrett, and her daughter-in-law, Aileen Peralta. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Jaz’e Taylor, Karma, Diamond, Johnathan, Jahnay, Gisselle, and A’zyla Garrett, and a loving great-grandmother to Cristian Garrett. She also leaves behind her stepchildren, Wayne, David, and Joseph Kellum, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever touched by her love.

Annie is survived by her siblings: Willie Lee Mathis, Henry Mathis, Lillie Mae Mathis, Juanita Mathis, and Dorothy Jean Chavuz. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Gloria Jean Shorten and Paris Mathis.

She also leaves behind her lifelong best friend, Dorothy Winstead, and her goddaughter, Tasheriah Winstead, along with countless friends whose lives were made brighter by her kindness, humor, and unwavering love.

Annie Lois Mathis leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, laughter, and unconditional love. She will be remembered for her generous heart, her vibrant personality, and the joy she brought wherever she went. Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we are comforted knowing she is now at peace in the loving arms of the Lord she faithfully served.

Her memory will live on in every song that brings people together, every family gathering filled with laughter, every flourishing plant, every Eagles game, every Billy Ocean melody, and every ice-cold Pepsi shared in her honor.