Winona Echols Mathis

Winona Echols Mathis of Kennesaw passed peacefully surrounded by family on Monday April 18, 2016. She is survived by her son Clay Mathis (Theresa) of Acworth; daughter Leslie Mathis of Powder Springs; granddaughters Hannah Day and Hollis Leigh Mathis of Calhoun; Catherine McFarland (dear family friend) of Powder Springs; and numerous nieces and nephews, whom she dearly loved. She is preceded in death by husband Fred G. Mathis of Kennesaw; her siblings Donald Echols of Millen; Audrey Thacker of Smyrna; Harold Echols of Millen; Larry Echols of Cheyenne, WY; and Charlie Echols of Thomson; loved nephew Matthews Clark Underwood; and many deeply loved in-laws. Winona was born on October 18, 1933 in Cumming, Forsyth County, GA, to parents Leslie Ralph and Ruby Day Echols. Shortly thereafter her family moved to Millen, GA, where she was raised and graduated from Millen High School. After graduating, she moved to Atlanta and worked as a phone operator. She then moved to Marietta, where she worked as an Executive Secretary at Lockheed Martin for 18 years. Along with partners Wayne & Sandra Preston, Winona and husband Fred, who was a pharmacist, opened Bells Ferry Pharmacy, the first 24-hour pharmacy in Cobb County. Winona, Fred and family later moved to Kennesaw and opened Mathis Discount Drugs and Balloons by Nona, located on Main Street in Acworth. Many years later, they sold those businesses. Winona then worked part-time as a pharmacy technician at Kroger Pharmacy on Whitlock Avenue in Marietta until she retired. She was a successful entrepreneur with brilliant business ideas throughout her career. Winona put her family first and was a very actively involved Mother. She married Fred G. Mathis in Marietta on June 25, 1955, and the couple later adopted two children together, Leslie and Clay Mathis. Her goal was to raise her children and spoil them, making sure they had opportunities and experiences she herself didn't grow up with. She and Fred worked hard to accomplish that goal, and Leslie and Clay are eternally grateful for such loving and wonderful parents. Winona was a strong patriot who loved this country with a passion. She held a very special place in her heart for our soldiers throughout her lifetime. She enjoyed socializing and cooking for her family and friends. She loved reading, playing cards endlessly, having fun, and going on trips, especially to the beach in the Gulf of Mexico. Her family and friends will always remember her for her warm loving heart and beautiful smile, her always available listening ear and love of giving advice, her great sense of humor and uncanny ability to tell hilarious jokes, her love of playing cards (and winning!), her witty sayings, and her delicious, unsurpassed cooking, loved by all who knew her. She was the epitome of a Southern woman, proud and strong. A Memorial Service is planned for Winona Mathis on Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 2pm in the new Columbarium on the hill at Cheatham Hill Memorial Park, located at 1861 Dallas Highway in Marietta. Visitation begins at 12:30pm Sunday at the same location. Immediately following the service, the family is hosting a casual Dinner on the Grounds at 2840 Black Oak Hollow Road in Powder Springs. All are welcome to attend. Please bring a covered dish and lawn chair and join us in sharing fond memories and celebrating Winona's very colorful life. Internment is at Kennesaw Memorial Gardens at a later date. In lieu of flowers, it was Winona's wish that donations be sent to The Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org, by mail to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675, or by calling (877) 958-2233.