Delores "Dee" Mathis, 78, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 26, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply.

Born on July 11, 1948, in Albany, Georgia, Dee was the daughter of the late Frederick Vigil Mercer and Ruth M. Halverson. She graduated from Northside High School in 1966 and soon married the love of her life, Lawrence Ronald "Ronnie" Mathis. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and unconditional love while raising their three children.

To know Dee was to feel at home. She had a special way of making everyone feel welcome and loved. Whether it was with a warm smile, a kind conversation, or a home-cooked meal, she made people feel like family. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, where laughter was shared, stories were told, and countless memories were made around the table.

Nothing meant more to Dee than her family. She was a loving mother, but becoming "Grandma" was one of her greatest joys. Her granddaughters, Addison and Daelyn, were the light of her life, and every moment she spent with them was precious.

Her faith in the Lord guided the way she lived each day. Dee showed her faith through kindness, compassion, and a servant's heart. She shared her beautiful singing voice and talent for playing the piano in her church choir, using her gifts to glorify God and encourage others. She was also a familiar and much-loved presence at The Lodge, where she proudly held the title of "Ms. Lodge."

When she wasn't caring for those around her, Dee found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved bowling, playing bingo, painting, and spending time at the beach. The sound of the waves, the warmth of the sun, and being surrounded by family brought her peace and happiness.

Above all, Dee will be remembered for the way she loved. She gave freely of her time, her heart, and her compassion. She made people feel seen, valued, and cared for, and the example she set through her faith, generosity, and love will live on in everyone who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Dee was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronnie Mathis.

She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her memory: her children, Roxanne Wells (Eddie) of Luthersville, Georgia; Jennifer Eslinger (Brent) of Rochester, New York; and James Mathis of Houston, Texas; her treasured granddaughters, Addison and Daelyn; her siblings, Ruthie Lowe, Terry Halverson, and Kim Halverson; her aunt, Lorene Barfield; her lifelong childhood friend, Grace Gatto; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends whose lives were touched by her love and kindness.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. Dee will then be laid to rest at Magnolia Park.

The family requests that memorial donations be made in Dee's honor to a veterans' charity of your choice or to your local church.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.