Martha Mathis, Registered Nurse, passed from this life July 4, 2022, and is now resting in peace with her beloved Granny Linzy and Aunt Matt. Martha was born March 19, 1939, to Sherman Bias and Alma Linzy, near Fort Gibson in Cherokee County. She always alleged her actual birthday was March 20th, the first day of Spring, and that the doctor had mistakenly dated her birth certificate since she was born shortly after midnight on March 20th.
Martha did always exemplify a fresh breath of Spring to all of her undertakings. She spent her early childhood and school days in and around Muskogee, attended Oktaha High School and graduated from Porter High School. Shortly before her graduation Martha married Jean Mathis who was entering the Air Force. To Martha and Jean a son was born, Michael "Bo" Mathis. Martha and Bo traveled to several different countries with Jean during his ten year career with the Air Force, after which they returned to the Muskogee and Tahlequah area. Martha secured employment with the Cherokee Nation and later received her degree as a Registered Nurse. She continued her career with the Cherokee Nation for a total of forty-three years and retired as a Public Health Nurse at W.W. Hastings Indian Hospital at Tahlequah. Martha loved all of the people she served, especially the children. Throughout her life Martha touched many lives in a positive manner, as she was truly a helper for all those in need. Wado, Martha.
Martha is survived by Jean Mathis, Bo Mathis and Rebecca Riggin of the home, four brothers; Earl Cawvey Jr, Jerry Hinds, Michael Hinds, and Reece Hinds; and four sisters Mary Pfeifer, Pat Green, Ginger Wade, and Sue Ann Hinds. She was preceded in death by one brother Sherman "Jabo" Bias. Martha leaves a host of cousins, co-workers and friends that will dearly miss her. God has called a precious helper to meet Him in Glory.
Her sister Mary says "I can't imagine my life without Martha. We laughed, we cried, we had such fun together. She was so loved by her friends, Cherokee Nation co-workers, and family. She will be missed."
The family wants to thank everyone for the many prayers and kind messages sent. A memorial service for Martha will be held Sunday, July 10th at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Community Center located behind the First Baptist Church in Porter.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.