of Little Rock, AR
December 18, 1944 - January 11, 2023
Retha Ann Mathis, 78, of Little Rock, went to her heavenly home on January 11th, 2023. She is preceded in death by her devoted husband, Ronald "Ron" Mathis; her loving parents, William "Bill" Thomas Sr. and Charles Marie Thomas of Newport; brother, Johnnie Lee Bain and biological father, Dewey Lee Bain.
She is survived by her daughter, Kelly Leopard and son-in-law, Jimmy of Wagoner, Oklahoma and by her daughter, Starla Castle and son-in-law, Mark of Irondale, Alabama; grandchildren, Lauren Leopard, Sean Castle and Charley Castle and siblings, Carolyn Thomas Wood, William Thomas Jr. and Hubert Thomas, as well as many dear extended family and friends.
She was a member of Lorance Drive Church of Christ and over the years had also been an active member at Geyer Springs Church of Christ, Little Rock Church and Sandstone Drive Church of Christ. Retha was always willing to help others and over the years volunteered in the church nursery, cooking meals for those in need, taking clothes and gifts to the Children's home and volunteering at the nursing home in Sweet Home, fixing hair for the ladies who lived there.
Retha grew up in Newport, Arkansas and had many fond memories of living next door to the Mathis family. She became fast friends with Nelda Mathis and spent many happy hours playing on the levy and attending church with Nelda and the rest of the Mathis family, eventually marrying Nelda's older brother, Ronald Mathis. Her high school friends nicknamed her "Red" for her curly auburn hair and she often shared stories of the good times she had with them and of growing up in Newport.
Retha graduated from Newport High School and moved to Little Rock a few short years later with her husband Ron and baby daughter, Kelly. She went on to have a second daughter, Starla and was the best mother the girls could ever hope to have. Retha made sure that all their needs were met as well as many of their wants. She was a caregiver at heart and loved taking care of her girls and other members of her family. She often spoke of her siblings and it was clear that she fiercely loved them and how protective she was of them. It was her great pleasure to help care for her parents as they neared the end of their lives and her husband when he became ill, until his death in 1997. Retha never remarried but did have a special companion and friend in Fred Pemberton.
Retha delighted in her grandchildren and took pride in their accomplishments. She loved watching Lauren dance, sing and play her many instruments. She proudly attended Sean's graduation from Samford University when he received his degree in Computer Science and she always loved a Charley story, hearing about his latest "dangerous" adventures. She enjoyed watching all three grow from sweet babies into competent young adults.
Over the years Retha enjoyed home decorating, oil painting, reading, traveling near and far and most of all spending time with family and friends. After becoming a widow in 1997, she went to work for The Bug Man pest control company where her husband Ron had worked for many years. The Bug Man was a second family to Ron and Retha and she recently recalled some of her favorite trips, taken with her Bug Man family. Arizona and Washington, DC being among her favorite places to visit. She also had the opportunity to travel to London and Switzerland with her daughter, Starla and son-in-law, Mark and visited many Arkansas state parks with daughter, Kelly and son-in-law, Jimmy. Retha and her daughters took many girls trips to Florida and she enjoyed many trips to Branson with her dear friends, Cindy, Billye and Dianne.
Retha will be missed by all who knew and loved her. She will await her family and friends in heaven and in the meantime, she will rejoice in heaven with those that went ahead of her.
Funeral service will be 10:00 am Saturday, January 14, 2022 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home with burial to follow at Edgewood Memorial Park in North Little Rock, AR.
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15 Condolence(s)
Greg King
Friday, January 13, 2023
She will be greatly missed I have several memories of family trips we had taken in the past .she was loved by my mother I do know this and now they are doing some catching up right now I'm sure mom was glad to see her I'm thinking about you Kelly and starla I know how tough it is right now I love you both so much I will be in touch I so very thankful yall have each other at this time it's really difficult being alone and having to face these times anything I can do I will with all my love G.K
SUSAN BURRIS
Friday, January 13, 2023
Kelly and Starla, I'm so sorry to see that your sweet mom has past. She always had the kindest spirit! May your precious memories of your mom stay with you and your families forever! Gary and I will be praying for your families during this difficult time. I will be sure and let Jeff and Kevin know of your mom's passing.
Nanette Herndon-Chase &Kristy Shaw
Friday, January 13, 2023
We love Retha immeasurably. The grace and poise she always exuded is secondary to the bountiful love and care she has had for God, family and friends. There are not enough words to say what a special, lovely, splendid lady she's been. God Bless her and her loved ones.
Trina Williams
Friday, January 13, 2023
I worshiped with Ms Retha at Sandstone Chursh of Christ.. I’ll always remember her sweet personality and beautiful smile!!
Robert Walker
Friday, January 13, 2023
Rest In peace you beautiful lady.
Bernie. Lasiter
Friday, January 13, 2023
So sorry for the passing of my friend.! Nagy the angels pause for meeting our JESUS and seeing all who have went before. My prayers to the children, friends and all who knew Aretha.
Starla & Phil Goad
Friday, January 13, 2023
We will remember Retha for the kind beautiful person that she was and blessed many in her life! We are praying for comfort and peace for the family! She will be missed!!
Geraldine woodell
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Retha was so precious to me. I have prayed so hard, as so many others have been doing I'm sure, that she would beat this disease & get to be with us for awhile longer. Our sincere sympathy to you girls & her grans. God comfort you all.
Jerry & Sue Anne Victory
Thursday, January 12, 2023
We will miss our long time friend . Many fond memories with Ron and Retha , both of whom we loved .
Condolences to the daughters, Kelley and Starla .
Prayers for comfort .
Melissa Anthony
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Rest in peace, Ms Retha.
Dale and Rita Brown
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Retha was one special lady. We have wonderful memories of our time with her at Geyer Springs. Her beautiful smile and loving heart will be missed by so many. What a tremendous example of faith in her Lord.
Stella Gibbs lancaster
Thursday, January 12, 2023
My prayers are with Rethas family. She was a sweet person. I remember her growing up with us n Newport by the levy she talked about. She will be missed.
Bonnie Patterson
Thursday, January 12, 2023
You were always beautiful Retha. When I thought about you at any time, I always thought of her as a real lady. I've never referred to anyone in that way. You were always a real lady. I will miss seeing you at Lorance Drive church of Christ. â¤
Patricia Gibbs
Thursday, January 12, 2023
My condolences.
I have known her all my life.
Ron was our cousin.
I enjoyed our visits on Facebook.
Prayers for all the family.
Sharon Hudson
Thursday, January 12, 2023
My deepest condolences to her family and friends. I have such sweet memories of Retha, Ron and the girls. She was a very special lady and a very dear friend. Sharon Hudson