Fredia Jean (Willis) Matthews

Fredia Jean Willis was the eldest of eight children born to the union of Essie Lee Jr. and Johnnie Louise Willis. She was delivered November 16,1948 at Hillcrest Hospital Annex in Waco, Texas.

The Willis family relocated to Indianapolis when Fredia was a young girl. She completed all levels of school here, graduating from Crispus Attucks High School. She worked 36 years for Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicare Division until her retirement. She also was employed at Head Start.

She found her forever love in husband, Walter James Matthew on September 23, 1996, in a blessed union before God. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, auntie, cousin and best-friend. Fredia welcomed everyone with open arms and kindness wrapped with an inviting smile. She enjoyed fishing with her husband, playing cards with friends and family, reading and a good movie.

Fredia dedicated her life to Christ at a young age and remained a devoted servant of God until her last day. She was a long-time member of Sunrise Missionary Baptist Church, where she served on various boards and ministries. Family and friends were the most important thing in her life and she prayed for them daily.

Some of the best memories were family gatherings. You would either find her schooling people over a good game of cards and if you were the unlucky team playing against her, you may have got hit with some sassy banter as her left hand hit the table declaring BOSTON. Then she would very politely remind you to exit the seat for the next victim. There were many gatherings where her smile and laughter brought another level of joy to the room. Fredia possessed a fountain of wisdom and love yet willingly accepted her own imperfections.

Fredia was called home on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, and was preceded in death by her parents, Essie Lee & Johnnie Louise Willis, Jr; brothers: Zachary Todd Willis, Darryl Willis and Matt Willis; and sister, Rhonda Willis.

Fredia leaves behind to cherish her memories: husband, Walter James Matthew; daughter, Jernice Jackson (David); grandchildren, Shamar Jackson and Tyler Jackson; sisters, Patricia Ann Willis and Janice Renee Willis; brother, Archie Lee Willis (Belinda Torres); nieces and nephews: Michelle Perry, Damon Willis (Latanya Danzey), Dale “Ralph” Venerable, LaToya Smith, Jason Willis (Shawn White), Amber Alexander (Gabriel), Zachary Todd Willis Jr. (Brittany), Amanda Willis, Aaron Willis, Ebony Willis and Marianna Willis; a host of great-nieces and nephews, cousins, Godchildren and extended spiritual family.