Thelma Jean Denmark Mathis

Thelma Jean Denmark Mathis was born on October 29, 1940, in Needmore, Georgia, to the late Daniel “Ed” and Latain Denmark. She was the second of five children and the eldest of four daughters, lovingly known as the “Denmark girls.” To her sisters, Thelma was often called “little Momma,” a title she carried naturally through her life.

She was raised on a 300-acre farm in Belmont near Cypress Creek, where the old log cabin—still standing today—was filled with love and cherished memories. Thelma attended school in White Springs until her family moved to Jasper during her eleventh-grade year. She graduated from Jasper High School in May 1958 alongside her brother, Walter.

On July 12, 1958, Thelma married the love of her life, Louie Wendell Mathis. Together they built a family she was immensely proud of. They welcomed their first son, Wyndell Edward, on June 5, 1959; their second son, Richard Wayne, on May 30, 1964; their daughter, Cheryl Sheree, on December 16, 1969; and their youngest daughter, Donna Kay, on July 3, 1973. Thelma often bragged on her healthy babies and her perfectly balanced family of two boys and two girls. Mornings in her home didn’t require an alarm clock—her children woke to the comforting aroma of homemade cakes, donuts, or biscuits fresh from the kitchen.

During her life, Thelma worked in many roles she enjoyed, from dipping ice cream at the local soda shop in her youth to selling Avon, running an ice cream truck, and working with Shackley products. She retired from Jimmy Davis Enterprise after 20 years of dedicated service and later became a caregiver, continuing to give generously of her heart to others.

Thelma was a devoted grandmother to six grandchildren—Michelle, Brittney, Kayla, Lacy, Brailin, and Branzin. Known as “Granny,” she kept her cookie jars full and was famous for making the best toast and grilled cheese. Her love extended to her great-grandchildren, whom she cherished deeply.

Life presented many challenges, but Thelma met every one with strength and determination. She was a fighter, fiercely loyal, and deeply devoted to her family. Her children and grandchildren would all agree—if given every choice in the world, they would choose her every time.

She is survived by her brother, Walter (Christine) Denmark; her sisters, Evelyn Padgett and Audrey (Johnny) McDaniel; her son, Wayne (Jo Ann) Mathis; her daughters, Sheree Mathis and Donna Kay (Lynn) Blanton; her daughter-in-law, Verda Mathis; six grandchildren, Michelle (Eric) Eaker, Brittney (Randy) Johns, Kayla (Patrick) McGrail, Lacy (Isaac) Lancaster, Brailin Palacios, and Branzin Palacios; her great-grandchildren, Paisley Phillips, Kaleigh Johns, Erika Moses, Lauren Eaker, and Lexus Eaker; along with a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel “Ed” and Latain Denmark; her son, Wyndell Mathis; and her sister, Sandra Pert.

Funeral services will be held on January 8, 2026.Visitation will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at Harry T. Reid Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery.