Margaret "Leona" Mathews

Margaret Leona Moore Mathews, age 96, of Gadsden, AL. passed away at her home on Thursday, May 26, 2022. She was born on March 19,1926 in Coats Bend, AL. to Elbert L. Moore Sr. and Stella Mae Gilmer Moore. Leona graduated from Gaston High School as Valedictorian of the Class of 1944 and married her husband of fifty-six years, A.H. Mathews Jr. on July 24, 1946. She worked in accounting with Alabama Power for more than 20 years, retiring in 1988.

She was a devoted member of James Memorial Baptist Church for over 75 years and participated in many of the church’s projects, most notably in the church kitchen. She was faithful in her attendance so long as health permitted. The loves of her life were her family, her church, gardening, cooking, and helping others where she could.

Left to cherish Leona’s memories are her sons Mike Mathews and Kevin Mathews (Mary Millican), her grandchildren Blake Mathews and Candice Cranford (B.J. Cranford), and several nephews and nieces. Leona was preceded in death by her husband A.H. Mathews Jr., her parents, her brothers Will Moore and Elbert L. Moore Jr., and her beloved sister-in-law Beatrice Moore.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Jeff Hawkins and Dr. Kahleel Ashraf; Kiley, Jennifer, and Beth of Encompass Hospice; and Glenda, Shelby, Shirley, Brittany, Sydney and Leah of Southern Care Hospice for the excellent and loving care that they provided over the past months. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to sitters Kim, Barbara and Deborah, for their care and friendship.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday June 1st at Collier Butler Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 10 A.M. Dr. James Sampley will officiate. Burial to follow at Crestwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mike Mathews, Kevin Mathews, Blake Mathews, B.J. Cranford, Stan Moore, and Frank Moore.