Wava Mathena

Wava Brown Mathena (“Sissy”), passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 19, at 12:46 p.m. at Memorial Southeast Hospital in Pasadena, Texas, at the age of 94. She was surrounded by her loving family, who knew her as “Nanny.”

Born on December 19, 1931, in Bogata, Texas, Wava was raised in the close-knit farming community of McCrury. She later married the love of her life, Wiley Junior Mathena, on June 30, 1946, shortly after his return from service in World War II. They went on to share a devoted marriage of 71 years before Wiley passed in 2017, and after the two of them built a model life rooted in faith, family, and resilience. Wava and Wiley were also active in their church communities throughout their lives, forming lasting friendships wherever they went.

Wava was preceded in death by her husband, Wiley Junior Mathena; her daughter, Linda Kay Mathena Smith; and her sister, Thelma (“Punky”) Stewart. She is survived by her son, Michael Wiley Mathena and wife Cherie; her grandchildren, David Smith (Ann), Becki Korn, Stephen Smith (Brandi), Brian Mathena, and Chris Mathena (Angelique); and her great-grandchildren, Joseph Smith (Kaylee), Laynie Korn, Logan Smith, Wiley George Mathena, and Weston Mathena.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, in Bogata, Texas.

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