OBITUARY

Annie G. Mathews, "Bunny Barter"

October 22, 1920 – October 17, 2013
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Annie G. Mathews, “Bunny Barter”, was born October 22, 1920, in Whistler, Alabama. She moved to Mobile at age 18 and remained there until her death at age 92, just five days shy of her 93rd birthday. Annie, known as “Bunny” by most, began to work at a very early age. While in elementary school, she maintained two paper routes, throwing papers early in the morning before school, and then again in the afternoons after school. She was a founding member of St. Pius X Catholic Church. At St. Pius, she was in the Ladies Sodality, a member and past-president of the Legion of Mary for over 20 years, and she sang in the choir. She was also the organizer of the first dance at St. Pius and many of those that followed. Entering nursing school at age 19, she graduated from Providence Hospital and with the advent of World War II, she joined the Air Force and was stationed in Panama City. She later worked at Maxwell Field in Montgomery, AL and Halleran General Hospital in New York. She was also sent overseas to Scotland. After the war, she continued her education and graduated from Charity Hospital in New Orleans as an anesthetist. She worked as a nurse anesthetist for several years before marrying Frank Barter. Years later, she opened the first health clinic at the Corps of Engineers in Mobile. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Lofton Gurganus and Minnie Amelia Sheldt, and sisters, Evelyn Gurganus Ray and Marion Gurganus Lewis. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Anne Ferguson (Andrew John), and two grandchildren, Kathryn Marie Ferguson and Patrick Ryan Ferguson. She also leaves her husband, Frank W. Barter, youngest sister, Henri Etta Burnett (Ernest), numerous nieces, nephews, friends and family. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Springhill Home Health and Hospice, especially Ms. Lisa Dykes, who was her hospice nurse. Her other nurse and personal caregiver was Ms. Debra Hulett who was an invaluable resource to the family and patient. Her son-in-law, Andy Ferguson, was as much of a caregiver as any of the nurses, and she loved him dearly. He was generous with himself, his time, and his heart. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Pius X Catholic Church on Friday, October 25, 2013, at 10 a.m. The family will receive friends at Radney Funeral Home on Dauphin Street on Thursday, October 24, from 5-8 p.m. Interment will be in Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Catholic Social Services Legacy Project, 400 Government St., Mobile, AL 36602, the St. Pius X School Fund, or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com. Arrangements by Radney Funeral Home, 3155 Dauphin Street, Mobile, Alabama 36606.

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Services

  • Visitation Thursday, October 24, 2013
  • Mass of Christian Burial Friday, October 25, 2013
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REMEMBERING

Annie G. Mathews, "Bunny Barter"

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November 12, 2013

May the Mathews family take comfort in God during this time. 2 Cor. 1:4.

November 11, 2013

Depend on Him at all times...before Him pour out the pain within.
God, is a refuge for us. (Ps. 62:8)

C Johnson

November 11, 2013

I'm very sorry for your loss. May the "God of all comfort" bring you peace during this troubling time.

Beverly Barter

November 7, 2013

Mary Ann, Andy and All, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Your mother was uniquely herself in everything she did and was. And laughter always punctuated whatever she did. I can hear her inimitable laugh in my mind's ear. While my mother was still at home in Fairhope, Bunny called her from time to time. My mother delighted in the calls and recounted them to me in great detail. Bunny was a friend to my mother at a time when she was very isolated. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

November 6, 2013

I'm so sorry about your loss. God understands what you are facing and he will give you the strength to endure. Please take comfort in the scripture at 2 corinthains 1:3,4.

F M

November 5, 2013

My deepest sorrow and tears to the family of the deceased. May these words bring you hope and consolation: "...Hear the promise God has made: He will call; the dead will answer. They shall live at his command. For he has a longing for the work of his own hand..."
See John 14: 13-15, John 6: 40; 11: 11, 43; Jas. 4: 14

Lauren Sweat

October 25, 2013

I will miss Aunt Bunny dearly. She was so much fun. Never a dull moment! I looked up to her. I loved talking to her about her nursing career. She inspired me to become a nurse myself. I wish I could have made it to her service. Sending prayers!

Ethel Clarke

October 24, 2013

Miss Bunny will be missed by all of her friends on Thornhill Drive. we all loved to see Miss Bunny riding up and down the street in her VW Rabbit always waving, smiling, and talking to all the neighbors. A really wonderful lady. Thoughts and prayers to the family. The Clarke and Andrews Families of Thornhill Drive and St. Pius X Church

October 23, 2013

I wish to extend my sympathy to Mary Ann and the family on the death of Bunny. I am not able to attend the Wake/Funeral but we are praying for all of you at Convent of Mercy.Sr. Mary Robert,RSM

Brenda Bigelow

October 22, 2013

I have many fond memories of Miss Bunny. She called me last year and we had a great talk about old times in the neighborhood. What a full life she has led!
Brenda Bjorklund Bigelow

IN THE CARE OF

Radney Funeral Home-Mobile
Mobile, AL
251-479-4547