OBITUARY Ida Bea Mathis-Elkins September 17, 1927 – July 15, 2018 After more than 90 years of a blessed life, Ida Bea Mathis-Elkins of Wichita Falls went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 15th 2018. The funeral service will be held at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church on Saturday July 21st at 11 a.m. Rev. Dr. Robert M. Castle will officiate and burial will follow at Crestview Memorial Park under the direction of Hampton Vaughan Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held on Friday July 20th from 6 – 8pm at Hampton Vaughan Funeral Home. On line condolences welcomed at www. HamptonVaughanCrestview.com Ida was born to the late Dannie Wagner and Ada (Barnett) Wagner on September 17, 1927 in Frederick, Oklahoma.
She was the ninth child of nine children, eight boys and one girl. She received her public education from Boyd High School in Frederick, Oklahoma. She graduated from Lincoln Business College in Beaumont, Texas.
She continued her education and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Prairie View A&M University and her graduate education from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. Mrs. Elkins began her teaching career in Frederick, Oklahoma and was later employed by the Wichita Falls Independent School District. She retired from the WFISD in 1990 after 38 years of teaching.
During this time, she influenced many children and was a role model for her students and children. She was a faithful member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church working with Mission II, the Dorcas Sunday School Class, Progressive Circle, and Noon Day Prayer Band. She helped organize the church library and served as the Librarian.
She also served as the principal of the Vacation Bible School for several years. Mrs. Elkins was a member of the Evelyn Vivian Polk Social Aid Club and served as secretary and treasurer. She was also a member of the Women’s Federation Club and Boyd High School Alumni.
She held an honorary life membership in the Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers Association, life memberships in the Texas Retired Teachers Association and National Association of Teachers, and membership in the Prairie View A&M University National Alumni Association. On June 14, 1952, Mrs. Elkins married Jesse Mathis, an officer with the Wichita Falls Police Department who preceded her in death. To this thirty-year union, two children were born, Marilyn and Jesse.
On March 14, 1992, she married Reverend Doctor Fred L. Elkins, Sr. pastor of 5th Street Baptist Church and moved to Oklahoma City. Lady B, as she was lovingly called, united with 5th Street and became a member of Adult Number One Sunday School class and Ruth Circle, where she served as secretary. She was also a member of Mission One and served as treasurer.
Being a pastor’s wife and First Lady was a challenge which she accepted and served with dignity, class, and grace. When Rev. Elkins retired, they moved back to Wichita Falls and united with Mount Pleasant Baptist Church.
They were married for 24 years. Ida lived a long life loving her family and church. She was a loyal friend who never met a stranger and was a very kind and giving person.
She made everyone feel special. While she hated to cook, she would put on her apron and put together delicious meals in no time every night. Ida wanted to travel to all fifty states.
She almost met her goal. She traveled to 49 and never made it to Alaska. Mrs. Elkins was predeceased by her eight brothers, mom and dad, and husbands, Jesse Mathis and Fred Elkins, Sr
She is survived by four daughters, Marilyn (Neil) Mathis Massong of Annandale, Virginia, Lou (B.J.) McCullough of Edmond, Oklahoma, Louise (Charles) Alexander of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, June (Ray) Baker; of Oklahoma City; two sons, Jesse Mathis of Reseda, California and Fred (Raushanna) Elkins, Jr. of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; several grandchildren, including Drew Mathis and Jacob Mathis, several great-grandchildren, including Jasmin Mathis and Cameron Mathis, nieces, Ollie (Joe) Johnson and Jo Ada Perry; nephew, George (Carol) Wagner, many relatives and numerous friends who loved her dearly.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
