Valjean Marie Mathis

Valjean Marie Downs Mathis quietly departed this life on Thursday, September 5, 2019 at her home, surrounded by her son Darnell and a caregiver. She was born on December 14, 1930 in Washington, DC to the late Carroll Downs and Matilda Twitty. She was preceded in death by her three siblings, James Downs, Curtis Downs and Gloria Downs Thomas.

Valjean’s life was full of love, faith and family. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. On March 18, 1948, she would further commit herself to her faith, through water baptism by immersion at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Washington, DC. She would later transfer her membership to Second New St. Paul Baptist Church, where she was a faithful member of the Early Morning Choir. Valjean would remain a dutiful servant in this branch of Zion until her health was challenged.

Valjean was educated and graduated through the D.C. Public Schools system. After high school, she attended Strayer College where she would optimize her career potential by strengthening her secretarial skills.

On January 1, 1948, Valjean married the love of her life, John David Mathis, Jr. They were married for 54 years, until the time of his death in February 2002. To this union seven children were born. Her sons Timothy John Mathis and Gregory Lionel Mathis preceded her in death.

Valjean was employed as a seamstress at LaDonna’s Dress Shop. Her gift of sewing excelled her to become a master seamstress and designer.

She made clothing for her children as well as clothing for wedding parties and robes for the church choir. She also worked in the Federal Government, with over 30 years of dedicated service. She retired from the Bureau of Labor Statistics in December 1990. Throughout her career she received many acknowledgements and awards.

Valjean had many hobbies. She was an avid and passionate bowler. Valjean and her late husband played in various bowling leagues in the Washington DC area. Their basement recreation area still displays the trophies that signify their skill level in the game! She also had a love for art and ceramics. Many of the items she made are on display in her home and were shared as gifts often with her family and friends. Valjean and John also enjoyed entertaining. Their love for friends and family was often expressed at the many parties her children still recall.

Valjean leaves to cherish her memory her children, Maxine Marie Mathis, Greenbelt, MD; Darnell Nathaniel Mathis, Washington, DC; Joan Jacqueline Mathis-Stuart, Capitol Heights, MD; Barry Mathis, Washington, DC; Larry (Paula) Mathis, Upper Marlboro, MD; DeShan Andrea Mathis, Upper Marlboro, MD. Eleven grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.