In Loving Memory of Jennifer DeAnn Joyce Mathis

March 14, 1973 – October 8, 2026

Jennifer DeAnn Joyce Mathis, 53, passed away on October 8, 2026.

Born in Springhill, Louisiana, Jennifer was the daughter of the late Deborah Campbell and Larry Joyce. She graduated from Taylor High School in Taylor, Arkansas, in 1991, earned a degree in Sociology from Southern Arkansas University, and was an active member of Tri Sigma. As the first member of her family to graduate from college, Jennifer exemplified determination and perseverance.

Jennifer shared 31 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Sammie Mathis. Together, they traveled the country during Sammie’s professional baseball career before settling in Columbus, Georgia, in 1996, where they raised their family.

Her greatest joy was being a mother to Cole and his wife Mallory, and Chloe. She stayed at home for six years to raise her children, helped coach them, and embraced her role as a coach and pastors’ wife, encouraging athletes and families along the way. She was actively involved in Cataula youth sports as a softball and cheer coach as well as served as the Harris County Cheer Coordinator.

Jennifer worked at the Mustard Seed Christian bookstore and Aflac before earning her master’s degree in education. She later taught seventh-grade social studies at Gardner-Newman Middle School in LaGrange, Georgia. She also served as Children’s Minister at Upatoi Baptist Church, where she joyfully shared Christ’s love with the children in her care.

Jennifer enjoyed collecting sea turtles, hummingbirds, and nativity scenes, as well as spending time with her beloved dogs, Tebow, Phoebe, and Oakley.

A verse that always gave Jennifer comfort was Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

She is survived by her husband, Sammie; children, Cole (Mallory) and Chloe; brothers, Chris Joyce and Todd Bishop; aunts and uncles, Becky Massingill, Pat Crews, Kathy Copeland, John and Charlene Joyce, Cindy Childs, Evelyn Peck, Annette Hjellming, Bonnie Compton, and Barney Joyce; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Deborah Campbell and Larry Joyce.

Jennifer’s faith guided her throughout life. She was known for making others feel welcomed, included, and deeply loved, and she faced life with strength, courage, and a joyful spirit. Her love, faith, and legacy will live on in all who knew her.

A Celebration Worship Service will be held on October 24, 2026, at Bethesda Baptist Church, 3830 SR-85, Ellerslie, GA 31807. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with the service following at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Upatoi Baptist Church Children’s Ministry.

Georgia Cremation-Columbus is assisting the family with the arrangements.