Judith "Anavah" Mathews

Judith (Anavah) Mathews was born January 22, 1942 in Girard, PA the daughter of the late Leonard and Mamie Gray.

Judith was known as “Anavah” in the Rose Creek community where she gave her life in service to the Lord for the last 35 years. She was a village friend, mom, and grandmother to countless adults and young people. Whoever found time to befriend her, she was for them a listener extraordinaire and she cared for people as though they were the most important person in the world.

She loved drama and often played an important role at village events or at smaller gatherings with friends. She often surprised everyone with eye-catching costumes and dramatic portrayals delighting adults and children alike. A favorite place you’d find her was using her art skills at the Face Painting Booth at Rose Creek or Selmer Park events. She greatly enjoyed her role on the Stage Lighting Team for village theater or dance venues.

Anavah was a teacher of English, Art, and Music (flute, piano) to many students through the years. She created art for friends and loved to make signs for different events. She had a flare for drama and was celebrated at her 80th birthday party with a Murder Mystery Dinner produced by her lifelong friends. Very befitting a woman who enjoyed Agatha Christie’s writings and mystery TV shows.

She will be remembered for her wit and her wisdom, her love of God and His church and by all whose lives she deeply touched. She was no stranger to grief, but her faith remained strong and never wavered. She continued to the end to be a mom, grandmother, dear friend, and a heart-felt Christian.

Mrs. Mathews departed this life on January 7, 2024 in Selmer, Tennessee at the age of 81 Years, 11 Months, 16 Days.  She is survived by her daughter, Dossie Briggs of Selmer, TN; seven grandchildren: Jason Miller and wife Carlie of Selmer, TN, Cassandra Grimaldi and husband Rich of Suwanee, GA, Maranatha Fagan and husband Johnny of Ramer, TN, Hannah Mardis of Corinth, MS, Josh Briggs of Milford, PA, Yiriah Briggs and wife Naqiy of Owensboro, KY, and Katie Briggs of Selmer, TN; 17 great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Mathews was preceded in death by her first husband, Russell Howard Miller; second husband, Hubert Ray Mathews; three sons: Lance Miller, Russell Miller and Hubert Ray Mathews, Jr.; and a grandchild, Ezra Briggs.