Mrs. Ophia Mathis Byers age 80 of Dalton, GA, departed this life Friday April 5, 2019 at the home of her only daughter surrounded by her loving family.  Ophia was born November 29, 1938 in Dawnsonville, Georgia, a daughter of the late Larkin and Nora (Foster) Mathis.  She was also preceded in death by her husband of forty-nine years, Robert Cecil Byers in 2002, a son, Lamar Byers in 1972 and a grandson, Jason Daniel Byers in 2005, sisters, Thelma Howard Wimpy and Wilma Waters, brothers and sister-in-law, Wade Mathis, Wayne Mathis and Junior and Jean Mathis, brother-in-law, John Howard, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lawrence and Lillian Byers.

Ophia took care of her family and anyone who ever crossed her path.  Her life was lived for others.  She was involved in many civic and community groups, including volunteering at Hamilton Medical Center and Community Action Services.  She was a member of Eastern Star and Rebecca's where she held many local and state offices.  She was a member of Eleventh Avenue Baptist Church.

She is survived by her daughter, Brenda Byers of Dalton, GA; sons and daughters-in-law, Floyd and Damaris Byers of Dalton, GA, Ronald Byers of Soperton, GA, Steve Byers, Michael and Stacy Byers all of Cohutta, GA; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Cofford Stancill of Dalton, GA; sister-in-law, Helen Mathis of Rome, GA; grandchildren, Brandon and Heather Lynn Byers, Heather Labarbera, Lacey and Kenny Hensley, Jonathan Byers, Tyler Roberts, Melinda Byers, Allen and Alex Byers, Chris and Neely Byers, Tasia and Brett Cash, Matisha and Christian Barajas; thirteen great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Services to celebrate the life of Mrs. Ophia Mathis Byers will be held Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel with Reverend Chester Edward and her grandson, Chris Byers officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her husband at Harmony Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with Ed Waters, Gerald Mathis, Brett Cash, Brandon Byers, Allen Byers and Jonathan Byers serving as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers will be the Christian Family Center of Soperton, Georgia.

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday and after 10:00 a.m. Tuesday until the service hour.

Arrangements by locally owned and operated Ponders Melrose Chapel, Dalton, GA. (706)226-4002 "Funerals, Cremations, Cemeteries, Florists" YOUR SELECTED INDEPENDENT FUNERAL HOME"