Delia Ann Mariah Bray Mathis was born on March 17, 1928, to the parents of the late Johnny Bray and Louisa Bolding Bray in Grant, Oklahoma. Delia grew up in a family with strong Christian faith and she accepted Christ at an early age. Because of her sweet personality, Delia became known as "Sugar"

She was a faithful member of Antioch Baptist Church.

She attended Grant Public school where she was a brilliant student and graduated early. Following graduation,

she attended Langston University in Oklahoma. She later enrolled at Texas College, where she met her husband, Charles Mathis, Jr. To thIs union six children were born: Owen L. Lee, Charles Mathis Ill, Cheryl Ann Mathis (lost her battle to Leukemia at 6 month of age), Olan E. Mathis, Anthony W. Mathis, and James 8. Mathis. They also raised their beloved nephew, George Benson. Charles and Delia were blessed to celebrate 69 years of marriage before his death on May 23, 2017.

Delia began her career as a teacher in Langston, OK. She also taught school at Central High School in Moore Station. For a period of time, she devoted her time to raising her children. In 1975, she enrolled in Tyler Junior College Nursing Program and graduated 9, as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. She later returned and graduated as a Registered Nurse. She worked as administrator at long-term care facilities in Tyler, at Chandler Nursing Center and at Athens Memorial Hospital from which she retired. Her community involvement included being the spokesperson for AARP at Broadway Square Mall in Tyler.

Delia (Sugar) was known for her love and support of her family. She and her husband took several nieces, nephews and grandchildren into their home for extended periods of time. She was a quiet person, but strong in character, the epitome of a virtuous woman as styled in the Book of Proverbs; Chapter 31. She cared greatly for her pet dogs, her cows, plants and the crow.

On August 14, 2019, Delia went to sleep at the Trinity Timbers Assisted Living Center in Longview.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, her parents; only daughter, Cheryl; oldest son, Owen; six brothers, Wellington, Napoleon, Michael, Melicu, McKinley and Johnny Bray; three sisters, Novesta, Villian, and Daisy.

Delia leaves to cherish her memory four sons; Dr. Charles Mathis Ill (MaBel), DeSoto, TX, Olan Mathis (Lisa), Rowlett, TX, Anthony Mathis (Wanda), Winona, TX, James Mathis, Pearland, TX, and special nephew, George Benson (Bobbie), Longview, TX. She is survived by one brother, Cecil Bray and wife, Dora of Hugo, Oklahoma and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.