Barbara Ann Sides

Barbara Ann Mathis Sides, 75, of Smiths Station, AL died peacefully at her home on Friday, November 22, 2024, with her family by her side.

 A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM (EST) on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, in the Chapel of Vance Brooks Funeral Home, Phenix City, AL with Reverend Grant Parker officiating, Interment will follow in Lakeview Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the funeral hour at the funeral home.

 Mrs. Sides, born on August 25, 1949, in Malvern, AL, was the daughter of the late Bernard E. Mathis and Mary Lou Holloway Mathis. She attended Epworth Methodist Church where she worshipped alongside her family and friends, always with a heart full of love and laughter. After many years of dedicated service, Mrs. Sides retired from Uniroyal, where her hard work and commitment left a lasting impact. But let’s be real—what she’ll be remembered for most is her cooking. She had the magical ability to whip up meals fit for an army, and if you were anywhere near her kitchen, you were definitely going to taste-test. You had no choice—she’d insist, with a smile, that you try a bite to make sure it was just right. Antiquing and hitting yard sales were her version of a treasure hunt—she never knew when she might uncover the next hidden gem. And she sure knew how to spot one when she saw it. If there was a “lost treasure” to be found, you could count on her to find it—and probably bring it home, whether it was needed or not! Though she lived in a house divided—her being a loyal Alabama fan and Mr. Billy proudly supporting Auburn—her family always came first. Rivalry games may have been a bit more interesting, but love and family were always the true winners. She always wore a smile that could light up any room. No matter the challenges, she always faced them with grace, humor, and a positive spirit. We will forever remember that smile, the joy she brought into our lives, and the countless memories of good times, love, and laughter. 

She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, William “Billy “ Sides, Smiths Station, AL; four children, Sandy Cook (Jessie), Johnny Pippins (Amber), Shannon Ray (Brad) and Brittney Moody (Zach); four sisters, Sarah Miller, Martha Morefield, Mary Frances Head (Billy Ray) and Sandy Clay (Chuck); twelve grandchildren, Alex and Ryan Exum, Gavin (Chloe), Garrett (Hannah Jones), and Ansleigh Ray, Tanner, Tucker and Waylon Moody, JJ Pippins, Jessica Meadows and Weather Lyncher; numerous nieces, nephews and close friends also survive.

 The family wants to extend a special thanks to Dale Sides. The love and care he showed our mama was priceless. We will be forever grateful for him.

 Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made in her memory to Compassus Hospice, www.compassus.com/about-us/giving-and-donations/ .