Isaac Mathews, Sr. (Ike) was born to the late Willie James Mathews and Bessie Lackey on August 18, 1933. He was the second eldest of three children. Isaac was raised at an early age in an A.M.E. Church and accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.
After attending only two years of Jr. High School; Isaac married the love of his life Addie L. Jones in holy matrimony on February 21, 1953, and to this union nine children were born. In 1953 he joined the United States Armed Forces serving his country with valor. After serving three years, he received an Honorable Discharge. After returning from the Army, Isaac relocated his family to Detroit to work in the Automotive Industry. Instead of working for someone else, he decided to go into business for himself. He owned and operated Mathews and Sons Auto Bumping and Painting Collision Shop for over 40 years until a stroke left him unable to work.
After his speedy recovery, he began working part-time at Cobo Hall garage until he officially retired and moved back to Covington to be close to his family and friends. Isaac enjoyed attending church, reading the bible, watching old movies, cooking at family gatherings and playing cards. He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.
On Saturday, October 22, 2016, at 10:05 p.m. Ike made his transition from earth to heaven at home with his family. Ike's soul winged its flight from this world of sin, sorrow and pain to a place to rest. He was preceded in death by three sons, Willie James, Gregory and Brian Sr.
Isaac leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife of 63 years, Addie L. Mathews; six children, Anita, Rhonda, Isaac Jr., Dana, Ardella and Jeffery; two daughters-in-law, Nancy and Vanessa; two sons-in-law, Don and Charles; 27 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two sisters, Gladys and Evelyn; one sister-in-law, Evelyn; one brother-in-law, Willie and a host of other relatives and friends.
Isaac is interred at the Oxford Historical Cemetery. The service was held Saturday, October 29, 2016 at Rust Chapel United Methodist Church with Pastor Quincy L. Felder as eulogist.
The family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many comforting messages, floral tributes, prayers and many other expressions of kindness and concern evidenced at this time in thought and deed. A more personal acknowledgement will be made at a later date.
I'm Free
Don*t grieve for me, for now I'm free, I'm following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard him call. I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work to play. Tasks left undone, must stay that way, I now found that peace at the end of day. If my parting has left a void, then seal it with remembered joys. A friendship shared, a laugh or a kiss, Oh Yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, Look for the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I Savored much, Good friends, good times, a love one's touch. Perhaps my time seems all to brief, Don't lengthen your pain with undue grief. Lift up your heart and peace to thee, God wanted me now. He set me free.
