In Loving Memory of Gladys Willodene Mathes ("Deana")

1952 - 2024

Gladys Willodene Mathes  ("Deana")

Gladys Willodene (Acree) Mathes, better known to family, friends and co-workers as "Deana",  was born in Malvern, Arkansas on October 6, 1952, the fourth of seven children of Woodie and Imigene Acree.  She passed from this earthly life to her eternal heavenly home on February 14, 2024.

Deana's family moved to Azle in the summer of 1955.  She attended all twelve grades of school at Azle, graduating in May 1971.  On October 30, 1971, she married Donald Ray Mathes, the love of her life, who passed to his heavenly home in 2018.  They had three children and two grand-children and currently have four great-grandchildren who Deana doted on.  Although Deana's "career" was her family, she worked for the City of Springtown for a number of years, and then was the Chief Court Clerk for the Justice of the Peace Court, Precinct 2, Parker County, for over 20 years before retiring in 2014. After high school, she attended college and studied nursing before having to drop out for health reasons, but she was always a dedicated caregiver. If anyone in the family or a friend needed her, she was there for them.   She was the middle child of seven children and with nearly18 years between the oldest and the youngest, she was the "go to" sister for all of them.  She had a loving, sweet spirit, a strong work ethic, a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. She will be sorely missed.  For her immediate and extended family members, it is felt that if Deana had to leave us, it seems fitting that it was on the day that celebrates love, since she had many who loved her, and especially Don, who were there waiting for her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Mathes; her parents; sisters, Darlene Acree and Donna Dines; and her brother, Joel Acree.

She is survived by her children, Gayla Mathes, Casey Mathes, and Brad Mathes; grandchildren, Brittany Austin and Mason Crutcher; great-grandchildren, Mollie Crutcher, Mitchell Austin, Malakai Austin, and Marshall Austin; sisters, Faye Murphree, Leanne Browning and Robbie Jones; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and beloved cousins.

Information about the service.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Azle and Lake Worth Funeral Home beginning at 12:30 PM followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00 PM.  Interment will be rendered at Azleland Cemetery & Memorial Park.