December 7,1938 – June 13, 2026
Wanda Barber Matthews entered into heaven on June 13, 2026, at the age of 87. A lifelong resident of the Bethany Community, Wanda was born on December 7, 1938, in Bainbridge, Georgia, to Herbert Cleveland “Hub” Barber and Willa Irene Powell Barber.
Wanda graduated from Bainbridge High School and dedicated more than 30 years of service to the State of Georgia before retiring from Georgia Industries for the Blind.
A faithful member of Bethany Baptist Church, Wanda was devoted to her faith, her family, and her community.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Everette “Bubber” Barber and Phillip Barber.
Wanda is survived by her husband of 69 years, Remus Matthews; her children, Lesa Cannon (Jim), Glen Matthews (Fan), and Tana Smith (Roger); her grandchildren, Britany Thompson, Meredith Geddings (Joel), Clarke Cannon, Sarah Asham, Ashley Strickland (Wayne), Garrett Matthews (Melanie), Austin Matthews (Kadie), Meagan Herndon (Jaston), and Joshua Smith (Kayla); and her great-grandchildren, Hunter (Kendell), Matthew, and Lilly Strickland; Katelyn Purvis (Johnny); Trace and Daughtry Thompson; Kaisley and Asher Geddings; Jaxson, Macon, Madeleine, Madison, and Sawyer Matthews; Harber and Kate Herndon; and Laughlin Smith. She is also survived by six great-great-grandchildren.
Known simply as “Granny,” Wanda’s greatest joy was her family. She loved watching them grow through each generation and treasured every opportunity to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was also a familiar face around Bainbridge and a daily loyal customer of Chick-fil-A, where she enjoyed her routine visits for frosted coffees and the friendships she made over the years. Her love and steady presence will be remembered by those who knew her best, and her legacy will live on through the family she cherished so deeply.
Those who knew Wanda can imagine that on her way to heaven, she convinced Jesus to make a pit stop at Hobby Lobby so she could pick up a few crafting supplies. Now that she has arrived, she is likely to find someone willing to use her credit card to order pizzas so she can gather her loved ones in heaven for a party.
The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Bethany Baptist Church with Rev. Stephen Webb and Pastor Roy Matthews officiating. Interment will follow at Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Georgia Hospice Care, especially nurse Danny Stephens and caregivers Nancy Ingram and Pearl Bradley, for the compassionate care and support they provided.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Bethany Baptist Church, 216 Bethany Church Road, Brinson, GA 39825.
Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)
