Oberlin-A Mass of Christian burial honoring Mathilda Reeves Jones, 52, will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, March 22, 2025, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. Rev. Fr. Pradeep Gali will officiate. Mathilda will be laid to rest at Cezar Cemetery in Duralde immediately following her services.

Rosary/Vigil will be led by Semonia Harman at 9 o'clock a.m. with Rosary Group Christian Mass to follow. All of Mathilda's arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Ardoin Funeral Home of Oberlin.

And God dismissed an angel from heaven and the invitation was put beneath her pillows and it read, "My child, you are tired, weary and worn, and now it is time for you to Come Home."

Mathilda Reeves Jones closed her eyes and accepted the invitation and went home to be with God, her creator, on Thursday, March 7, 2025.

On Thursday, September 28th, 1972, Saul and Octavia Reeves welcomed their third and youngest child, Mathilda, to the world. Regarded in love as Mattie or Til, she grew up in a close-knit family with her brother, David, and sister, Mary Esther in Oberlin, LA, where she was raised with a powerful sense of community and responsibility. Her relationship with Christ was nurtured and grew from the teachings received at Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church of Oberlin, LA, where she was baptized, fulfilled her First Holy Communion, and Holy Confirmation. Mattie's natural curiosity and fascination with learning propelled her to excel academically, leading her to graduate with honors from Oberlin High School in 1990. Mattie furthered her education at Louisiana State University, in Baton Rouge, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.

Mattie's successful career in the chemical industry took off with an internship at Exxon in Seabrook, Texas, where she often joked about riding her bicycle around the entire plant. Her strength, perseverance, and undeniable talent paved the way for her to become an industry leader, frequently being the only woman or person of color with a seat at the table. As a Director of Quality, Mattie's innovative and dynamic expertise played a crucial role in the success of companies like Karl Storz, Alcon, and Eli Lilly, where she dedicated over thirty years of her career. Her foresight and leadership earned her admiration across the United States and Europe. Passionate about opening doors for others from backgrounds like her own, Mattie took immense pride in mentoring, training, and developing future leaders, leaving a lasting impact through her dedication to empowering those like her.

Mattie was a true beacon of light, embodying strength, faith, and resilience in everything she did. She was known for her unwavering support and encouragement, always ready to lend a listening ear to friends and offer compassion to those in need. Through her wisdom, selflessness, and love, Mattie shared invaluable truths that nurtured, uplifted, and motivated everyone around her. Her cherished qualities live on in her only child, Mason Douglass, who was born to Mattie and Shaka Jones on August 21, 2006. Mattie instilled in Mason the importance of perseverance and tenacity, believing deeply in the power of knowledge, passion, and the richness of cultural experiences. These principles she prayed, would be meaningful, and carry Mason throughout his life.

Mattie had a remarkable gift for selflessly curating and sharing opportunities with her family and friends, inviting them to enjoy the many pleasures life has to offer. She found joy in life's simple moments and cherished gathering her loved ones, a beautiful reflection of her deep Southern roots. Whether playing her favorite blues song, "To Da Naw Naw" by Bishop Bullwinkle, or sparking meaningful conversations while listening to "Laundry" by Kelly Rowland, Mattie filled her home with warmth and happiness. She was especially joyful when Mason and his friends would gather, their conversations and laughter bringing life to her home and heart. Known for her hospitality, Mattie's home was a haven of good food and fun, where neighbors and friends felt welcomed and loved. Her endearing phone calls, sisterly presence, and infectious girlish laughter were a source of comfort and joy. Mattie will be remembered fondly for her generous spirit, kind heart, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends. Our Beloved Mattie's legacy is one of love, resilience, and an unyielding commitment. Her spirit will continue to shine through those she touched, a lasting testament to a life beautifully and purposefully lived.

Mattie's memory will be forever cherished by dear mother and father, Saul Jr. & Octavia Harmon Reeves of Oberlin, LA. Her legacy will continue to grow and be honored by her only child, her son, Mason Douglass Jones of Houston, TX.

Mattie will be fondly remembered by her family- brother, David Reeves of Lake Charles and sister, Mary Esther (Curley) of Oberlin, LA.; her nephew, Matthew (Erika) LeBlanc of Houston, TX and beloved niece, Kathryn (Kay) LeBlanc of Oberlin, LA, great nephews, Gabriel LeBlanc, Misael Plancarte and great- niece Andrea Plancarte, a host of cousins and friends, who will miss her dearly.

Our Gratitude

We wish to express grateful appreciation to many friends who shared with us in any way during the time of our sorrow. Your calls, florals, visits, cards and other expressions are highly appreciated. With special acknowledgement to Shaka T. Jones, Mik'Kell Woods, Cookie & Peter Sutter, Chanda Elam and Sam Smith for their time, dedication and support.

May the Lord continue to abundantly bless each and every one of you, we sincerely pray.

The Family of Mathilda Reeves Jones.

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with Mattie's family at www.ardoinfuneralhome.com or on Facebook-Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Homes.