Barbara Jane Mathis-Ferguson

July 15, 1938 - July 4, 2021

Barbara Jane Mathis-Ferguson, 82, of Tempe, AZ, formerly of Centralia, IL, passed away Sunday, July 4, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family. Barbara was born on July 15, 1938 in Centralia, IL. she lived a long and full life filled with the love of Christ, family, and more kind-hearted and generous friends then can be imagined. She is survived by her three sons (wives): Charles E. Mathis (Rose), Jack W. Mathis (Laura) and Dusty L. Mathis (Geraldine), as well her eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husbands Jack Mathis (m. 31 years) and Marvin Ferguson (m. 6 years). Barbara was a loving and hard-working daughter, wife, and mother. Despite numerous hardships for her family at an early age, requiring her to sacrificing her high school education, she persevered. She started working young and provided full-time care for her disabled father and mother. When hardships again plagued her, now a mother of three young boys and bereft of familial assistance, she again rose to the challenge. She returned to the workforce, taking employment opportunities as they came, and with the assistance of her faith, the best of friends, and hard work, she kept a roof over her family‘s head and food on the table. Her strong work ethic – 30 years on the manufacturing floor – and her determination to complete her GED at age 50, was an inspiration for her children and her grandchildren. All the while, her faith served as the cornerstone of her life. She participating in hundreds of church-community based programs, to help those in need, as a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Centralia, Illinois and later with the Chandler First Church of the Nazarene in Arizona. She enjoyed teaching and participating in bible study groups and treasured the opportunity to join her fellow parishioners in fund-raisers, bake sales, and crafting for donation. In 2014, at 76 years of age, she was recognized by the Chandler First Church of the Nazarene for “distinguished service” for “two years hard work and dedication crocheting” over 200 mats for the Homeless Outreach Mission Project. Funeral Services for Barbara Jane Mathis-Ferguson will be held Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at the Hillcrest Lakeside Chapel with Tim Mondy officiating. Entombment will follow in the Hillcrest Lakeside Mausoleum in Centralia. A visitation will be held Wednesday, July 14, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Hillcrest Lakeside Chapel. The Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia is honored to be of service to the Ferguson family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home's Facebook page.