Leila Grace Mathis

Toogie’s Story

Leila Grace Mathis, Jr. was born to Leila Mae Mathis, Sr. and the late Herbert Mathis on September 16, 1964, in Philadelphia, PA. God called Leila home on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. She was the youngest of eleven children.

Leila was educated in the Philadelphia School District. There is where she received her high school diploma from attending South Philadelphia High School.

Toogie, as she was affectionately called, was a caring, loving, fun, and compassionate person. Being a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and a friend, Toogie would love on and protect those she was close to. She nurtured her daughter, nieces, and nephews, feeding them (fried potatoes), bubble baths, and baby powder up to their necks. Toogie had a signature of doing things her way, and that included keeping her “baby hair” in tack”, something she is very well known for. In addition, when it came to cleaning the home, get out of her way. She did not play around when it was time to clean house, you were not to step on her floors or touch her windows.

Our beloved Toogie has brought smiles and a boisterous of laughter to any room she entered, many times unintentional. She would crack the corniest jokes yet to be so funny, including her facial expressions (Joke from Toogie- “Guess who I saw today? Everybody I looked at!”). Toogie’s favorite thing in her past time was singing and rapping as if she could (Summer Breeze, Careless Whisper, & Eric B for President) but she had moves as well, boy could she get down. She was also a pool shark, taking on the best of them at her favorite hangout spot, Butter’s.

 Toogie played no games when it came to her daughter, Patrice, who she affectionately called “Monique.” She had no problem letting anyone know the measures she would go to protect her daughter; wouldn’t think twice to jump the back of anyone who thought to bring harm her way. Toogie was overjoyed when Monique gave her a grandson, Langston.

Although our lives are forever changed, we find the comfort in knowing that Toogie is asleep in the Lord, awaiting that great day when we all will be together again.

Leila leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memory, her loving mother, Leila Mathis, Sr., daughter, Patrice Mathis, grandson, Langston Wheeler; her sisters, Adrianne, Regina, and Patricia; brothers, Harold, Johnny, William, Jacko, John Green, and Ricky Miller; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, her daughter’s father, Brian “Roscoe” Simmons; best friends, Delores Foster and Jackie Moore; Longtime friend, Charles; Tasha (Friend/Hairstylist); Friend, Kellee Duncan; Care Manager, MonaLisa

Preceding Leila in her death, she now joins her beloved sisters and brothers, Linda, Ricky, Deborah, Frank and Loretta

My Dear Daughter 

I closed my eyes for only one second and you were gone. Now my heart aches, my eyes leak, my soul mourns, and my family is broken. Only a moment that is changed forever. And, forever is such a very long time. But you can be sure you will live in my heart forever. 

Love Always,

Mommy

If Roses Grow In Heaven

If roses grow in Heaven Lord, please pick a bunch for me. Place them in my Sister’s arms and tell her they’re from me. Tell her that I love and miss her, and when she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for a while. Because remembering her is easy, I do it every day, but there’s an ache within my heart that will never go away.

Love your,

Big Brothers and Sisters

Grandma, My Guardian Angel

Grandma, my angel. I know you’ll guide me always from Heaven above. 

Love your Grandson,

Langston

From You Is Me

Mom, I see a lot of you in me. When it comes to the people we love it’s nothing we wouldn’t do. We are kind and compassionate no matter what we’re going through. I miss you already without a doubt… I would never get mad, instead, just laugh when you would curse me out. Mom you have always been a fighter but not just the battle with cancer. You fought hard on all battles that you ever endured. Our spirits, the infinite love, and dancing are what we both possessed, all of what got us through our final times together. I am as proud of you as I know you are of me. You’re at peace now, the Lord has set you free. 

Love your Daughter,

Monique