Mertice Mathis Jones

Mertice Mathis Jones, age 89, died April 24, 2011 at Highlands Lake Center of respiratory failure. Born May 7, 1921, in Wauchula, Florida. Mrs. Jones resided most of her life in Bartow, where she raised her six children. She is preceded in death by her husband, Harold Lambert, parents, Edgar Lee Mathis and Carrie Lambert Mathis, and a sister, Vermel Mathis Tyson. She was a charter member of the New Hope Baptist Church of Bartow. She enjoyed reading, gardening and sewing. Mertice is survived by her six children: Sandra "Sandy" Norris (Lawrence) of Eaton Park, FL; James "Jimmy" Simpson (Geralean, deceased) of Havana, FL; William "Billy" Simpson (Carolyn) of Bartow,; Wally G. "Jerry" Simpson (Linda) of Bartow; LaDonna Jones Sayes (Archie) of Muskogee, OK; Maudel Jones Hughey (Gary) of Lakeland. Mertice has 13 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren & 2 great great grandchildren. Visitation will be held Wednesday April 27, 2011, from 6-8 PM at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, Bartow. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Bartow Wildwood Cemetery, next to her husband. The family will receive friends this week at the residence of Jerry & Linda Simpson, 1195 Hill Court West, Bartow.