India Palestine Mathis, age 77, died Tuesday April 12, 2022. Born October 20, 1944 in Dogwood Missouri to the late John and Myrtle Reeves, she grew up in Sikeston, lived in Arkansas and settled in Springfield Missouri where she raised her family. On May 1, 1965, she married Jerry William Mathis. They were married 25 years before Jerry passed away at the age of 49. Surviving is her daughter Gerry Gail Mathis of Springfield, and Gerry Gail’s children India Diane Neer and her husband Andy Neer, David William Blake and his wife Ashley Blake, and Quinton Douglas Blake, and India’s son Billy Jack Mathis of Springfield, and his children Milani Ramos, Nicholas Ramos, Isabella Mathis, and Jack Mathis. India was blessed with seven great grandchildren, Andrew Neer, David Blake, Christopher Neer, Matthew Blake, Easton Blake, Charli Blake, and Jasmine Ramos, one surviving sister, Phyllis Frederick, step-daughter Tracy Himes and husband Jeff and child  Adam.

In addition to her late husband, India is preceded in death by her brothers Wayne Douglas Reeves, Gene Alex Reeves and her sisters Estelle Robey, Juanita Reeves, Virginia Blagg, and Joyce Ann Watson.

India enjoyed working with others and made many friends at General Electric where she retired in 2013. She was proud to receive her cosmetology license and practiced for years in a local shop. She touched everyone she met with her generous spirit.

Visitation will be Friday, April 15^th, 6-8 PM and her memorial service will be Saturday,  April 16th at 12:00 PM, both at the Greenlawn Funeral Home East  in Springfield, Missouri. Lyle Jones will officiate, and music will be performed by friends of the family Ruell Chappell and Eric Meruelo. Interment will follow at the Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. A private luncheon will follow for family and friends.