Obituary

Sara M. "Peggy" Gatlin Mathis

November 3, 1933 - March 22, 2026

Sara M. "Peggy" Mathis was born on November 3, 1933 in the forestry town of Bogalusa, Louisiana to Alton and Janet Mathews Gatlin.  Mrs. Mathis passed from this life on March 22, 2026 at her residence.  

Her father, Alton, was the owner of a local radio and television repair shop in Bogalusa for many years.  Peggy graduated from Louisiana State University in 1956 with a degree in Vocational Home Economics Education.  This enabled her great love of teaching Kindergarten students.  When her son began preschool at Arden Cahill Academy, she began teaching Kindergarten there in 1972.  She remained teaching math to lower grade students at Cahill Academy until 2010.  Still active with childcare work and grandchildren in her eighties, dementia became obvious after a fall at home. The family extends thanks to the many talented healthcare workers and caregivers who helped her navigate living with dementia.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Billy Ray Mathis of New Orleans; and her brother, James A. Gatlin of Bowie, Maryland.

She is survived by her son, John C. Mathis (Shannon) of Baton Rouge, LA; daughter and caregiver, Nancy Mathis of New Orleans, LA; and her grandchildren, Jordan, Grant, and Colby Mathis of Baton Rouge, LA.

Visitation will be from 1:30 PM until the Funeral Service at 3:00 PM on April 3, 2026 at Jones & Son Funeral Home Chapel (5th Street & Davis Ave., Beaumont, MS 39423). Bro. John Sapp will officiate the service and burial will follow in Beaumont Cemetery.