Royce Ann Mathis (Lansing)

Sunrise for Royce Ann Mathis was on January 19,1948 in West Point, Mississippi to Lorine Mathis Smith. Lorine soon relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan where Royce accepted Christ at an early age at True Light Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend W.L. Patterson. Those early religious trainings continued until she moved to Lansing, Michigan where she attended Union Baptist Church, later transitioning membership to Friendship Baptist Church under Reverend Lester D. Stone.

Her early education was completed at Campau Elementary and South High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Royce prepared to educate children by obtaining an B.A. degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University. She furthered her professional preparation by earning a Master of Education degree from Michigan State University. During college, Royce became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. With that sorority, Royce developed friendships of a lifetime.

Royce loved to teach children and all her children adored her as well. Her career as an outstanding teacher of 33 years will leave an indelible impression on hundreds of young children. Students will cherish her memory throughout their lives.

Outside the classroom, Royce participated in the Girlfriend Book Club. The group provided her with an opportunity for social activities and the ability for her to pursue her love of reading.

During the summer months she enjoyed gardening, traveling and-- let's not forget--- shopping. As a mother, Royce nurtured the love of her life, her daughter Nadia. Upon completing her teaching career and until her sunset on Monday, September 5, 2022, Royce devoted loving care for her own mother, Lorine Smith, in her home for nearly 20 years. Royce was 74 years old.

Royce's quiet, loving spirit will be greatly missed by her mother, Lorine Smith, Lansing, Michigan; daughter, Nadia Ludell Mathis; grandchildren, Mekhi Mathis and Aminah Mathis-Aikens, all of Harper Woods, Michigan; sister, Theresa (Daniel) Nickerson, Lansing Michigan; niece, Monica Allen and great-nephew, Carl Alexander Ill, of Washington, DC; significant other, Dewey Russ, Muskegon Michigan, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Royce may be gone from our presence, but never from our hearts. She loved us and we will always love her.

To God be the Glory.