Ms. Freda Janel Mathis of 609 Mobley Street, Vienna, Georgia, died Friday, October 3, 2025, at her residence.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 3:30 PM in the sanctuary of St. Mark Baptist Church in Vienna, Georgia.  The burial will follow at the Vienna City Cemetery in Vienna, Georgia.

Freda Janel Mathis Sanford, was born on February 5, 1971, to Laverne Smith and Carl Ruben Smith in Dooly County. She passed away peacefully on Friday, October 3, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

Freda was a proud graduate of Dooly County High School, class of 1989, where she shone brightly as a talented basketball player. Her passion for the sport was evident in her dedication and skill on the court. After high school, she pursued a career in healthcare, earning her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification from Job Corp.

Throughout her life, Freda contributed to her community through her work at several organizations, including Tyson Foods and Noble Gin. Her most recent employment was with Pruitt Hospice, where she provided compassionate care to those in need.

Freda was an active member of the Free Providence Baptist Church in Vienna, Georgia. She was an member of the choir.

Freda had a zest for life that was contagious to those around her. She loved watching soap operas and game shows and had a special fondness for horses and dressing up like a  cowgirl. Her  culinary skills were well-known, and she delighted in cooking for family and friends. Traveling with friends and cherishing time spent with family were among her greatest joys. Freda was also known for her love of wearing her comfortable and colorful Moo Moos.

Freda's warmth, kindness, and loving spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, a testament to a life well-lived and a love well-shared.

Freda is survived by her husband, Maurice Sanford of Cordele, Georgia; her children, Shakeyshia Mathis, Alonzo Maddox, and Shaquana Roberts, all of Vienna, Georgia; her stepson, Maurice  Sanford, Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia;  her grandchildren:  Samiya Felton, Kyllin Sanford, and Tyran Sanford; her mother, LaVerne Smith of Vienna, Georgia; her father, Carl Ruben Smith (Minister Annie) of Vienna, Georgia; her sisters, LaMonica Stokes of Jacksonville, Florida, LaTonya Smith of Atlanta, Georgia, Detrice Smith (Ricky) of Unadilla, Georgia, Tamika Jenkins (Richard) of Warner Robins, Georgia, and Keiara Cotton of Vienna, Georgia; her brother, Darion Turner of Vienna, Georgia; her aunts and uncles, Barnell Hosley and Patricia Smith (Cleveland) of Orlando, Florida, Willie C. Smith of Tampa, Florida, Larry Mathis of  Vienna, Georgia, and Kenneth Mathis, Sr. (Rutine) of Vienna, Georgia; her godchild, Omari Curtis; her many bonus siblings, LaDerrick Boston (Paula), Octavius Ellis, Kinda Jones (Shenna), Julius Boston, Jr., Ervin Boston, Michael Boston, Kimberly Phillips, Kimberly Dawson, and Malaika Boston nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends also mourn her loss.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Wallace Mathis, Earnestine Mathis, M. L. Smith, and Alma Mae Smith, as well as her bonus sister, Virginia Boston.