Lonnie Mathis

Lonnie Mathis Jr., 77, of Verdunville went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 26, 2008 at his residence surrounded by his family. Born February 13, 1930, he was the son of the late Lonnie Sr. and Tavie (Smith) Mathis. He was preceded in death by a brother, James and two sisters; Barbara Ann and Thelma Mathis. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 59 years, Christine (Avis) Mathis. His children; Frances (James Tennis) Ford of Hurricane, Robert (Lanis) Mathis of Chapmanville, Johnny Mathis of Mineral, VA., Barbara Sue (Charles David) Conley of Dingess and Debra (Richard) Morganstern of Stafford, VA. He was also "daddy" to two grandsons that he and his wife raised as their own, John Ashley Mathis of Huntington and Christopher Chad (Meaghan) Mathis of Raleigh, NC. Additional grandchildren are James T. (Tina) Ford Jr., of Ashburn, VA., Robert Wade (Jennifer) Mathis of Washington, DC., David L. and Michael Mathis of Annandale, VA., Lonnie David (Linda Renea) Conleyof Delbarton, Jason (Lori) Mathis of Holden and Katelyn Morrell of Stafford, VA. Two step-grandchildren; Brian and Aaron Morganstern of Stafford, VA. Lonnie also had ten great-grandchildren; Ashley Paige, Christopher and Jonathon Mathis, Caleb and Ryan Conley, Jordan and Jace Mathis and Hunter Ford. His step great-grandchildren, Ashley (Jason) and Codey Curtis. He is also survived by his sisters; Ruby (Bernice) Richardson of Whitman, Daisy Adkins of Verdunville, Rosalie (Charles "Butch") Leef of Alderson and Carol (Bernard) Townsend of Berea, OH. His brother, Thomas F. (Alice) Mathis of Chapmanville and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends. He was also blessed with his special neighbors, Mark, Sherry and Kyle Porter. Lonnie was a member of the 14 Whitman Freewill Baptist Church. He loved his family and home. He enjoyed going to church, fishing, crabbing, traveling and tending to his home and patio garden when health permitted. He retired with over 45 years of service from Island Creek Coal Company, which later became Consol Coal in 1992. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 30, 2008 from 6:00 until 9:00 P.M. at James Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. at James Funeral Home with Rev. Alvis Porter Jr. and Rev. Richard Belcher officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens at Godby. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Condolences may be left at www.jamesfh.com. Memorial contributions can be made to Dignity Hospice, P.O Box 4304, Chapmanville, WV 25508 or the 14 Whitman Freewill Baptist Church, P.O Box 426, Whitman, WV 25652. James Funeral Home of Aracoma is in charge of the arrangements.