Mr. Brian Keith Mathews Sr. died Dec. 26. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac (Addie Lee) Mathews and the sixth of nine children, he was born in 1962 in Newton County. The family relocated to Detroit Mich., where Mr. Mathews attended Scripps Elementary School, Foch Middle School and two years at Southeastern High School. He returned to his hometown and graduated from Newton County High School. He married Vanessa Barnes and then had a son Brian Mathews Jr. Mr. Mathews worked for Foamex and for SAIA Motor Freight for more than five years and received several accolades and safe driving awards. He had more than 15 years of certified professional trucking experience. Mr. Mathews was affectionately called "Cheese" by his family and friends. He was deeply devoted to his family and, because of his sense of humor, was considered the life of any party. Without notice, he fell gravely ill late in the evening of Christmas day and, after giving his all in a fight for life, he succumbed to his condition and transitioned from this world Dec. 26.

Surviving are devoted wife of 22 years Anessa Mathews; son Brian Jr., whom he loved dearly; parents Mr. and Mrs. Isaac (Addie Lee) Mathews; brothers Isaac Jr., Jeffrey; sisters Anita, Rhonda, Dana, Ardella, Pauline; father-and mother-in-law Felton and Sara Barnes; brothers-in-law Charles, Don, Michael and Kevin; sisters-in-law Cassandra (Maxwell), Pat (Kelly); several aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Funeral services were held Jan. 2 at St. Paul AME Church with Pastor Thomas Stegall, the Rev. Barry Foster, the Rev. Quincy Felder and the Rev. Clyde Robinson officiating. Interment followed at Westside Cemetery.