House Resolution 1042
By: Representative Hugley of the 141st
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending Langston Funeral Home of Buena Vista, Georgia, on the
occasion of more than 60 years of dedicated service to the community; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS, since its establishment in 1966, Langston Funeral Home has stood as a
cornerstone of dignity, compassion, and service in Buena Vista, Marion County, Georgia,
providing families with care, respect, and professionalism during their most difficult
moments; and
WHEREAS, Langston Funeral Home was founded by the remarkable mother-and-son duo,
Mrs. Charlie Jane Mathis Langston and Mr. Charlie Edward Matthews, both licensed Funeral
Directors—an uncommon and groundbreaking achievement at the time, particularly for
African Americans in rural Georgia—and proud members of the Third District Georgia
Funeral Service Practitioners Association; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Charlie Jane Mathis Langston was a true pioneer whose service extended
far beyond funeral care, dedicating 36 years to education as a teacher and principal, while
also breaking historic barriers as the first African-American female licensed Funeral Director
in Marion County and the first African-American female Probation Officer in Marion County
and the City of Buena Vista; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Langston's exemplary life of service was recognized through numerous
honors, including Mortician of the Year in 1978, the prestigious Martin Edwards Award in
1981, and on the occasion of her 100th birthday, she was presented the Key to the City of
Buena Vista, an honor championed by former City Councilwoman Mrs. Gladys Thomas; and
WHEREAS, in a powerful symbol of her lifelong dedication to service and community, Mrs.
Langston was laid to rest with the Key to the City upon her passing in 2006, at the age of
103; and
WHEREAS, her son, Mr. Charlie Edward Matthews, carried forward the family legacy as
a licensed Funeral Director and entrepreneur, serving families with compassion and care until
his passing in 2020, while also expanding the original facility from approximately 800 square
feet to more than 2,000 square feet and laying the groundwork for future growth and
partnership; and
WHEREAS, in January 2011, the funeral home entered a new chapter through a merger with
Brown Funeral Home, formerly owned by Reverend Joseph Brown, becoming Langston &
Brown Funeral Service (DBA), thereby expanding its reach while maintaining its
commitment to personalized, family-centered care; and
WHEREAS, in January 2021, the next generation of the Langston-Matthews family stepped
forward to continue this proud legacy, including Dr. Sonja L. Matthews Coaxum, daughter
and granddaughter of the founders, along with the founders' grandchildren Trenton R.
Matthews, DeShon McNeill, and Blaze Coaxum, reaffirming a multi-generational
commitment to service; and
WHEREAS, later in 2021, the business reclaimed its original name, Langston Funeral Home,
LLC, and formally transitioned to a limited liability company, demonstrating resilience and
determination even in the face of profound loss following the passing of Trenton R.
Matthews; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Sonja L. Matthews Coaxum has continued the tradition of excellence by
earning an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science from Columbus Technical College and
holding a Professional Funeral Apprentice License, exemplifying the hands-on service and
dedication that have defined the firm since its inception; and
WHEREAS, today, Langston Funeral Home is operated by Dr. Sonja L. Matthews Coaxum
alongside Mr. Joseph Brown, and though modest in size, the firm's impact is
profound—having served generations of families, often caring for multiple members of the
same family across decades, with compassion, dignity, care, and concern; and
WHEREAS, Langston Funeral Home stands as more than a business, it is a living testament
to faith, resilience, generational perseverance, and unwavering service, reflecting the strength
and spirit of the community it has faithfully served for over sixty years.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body recognize and commend Langston Funeral Home of Buena Vista,
Georgia, for its more than 60 years of exemplary service, leadership, and compassion, as well
as extend sincere appreciation to the Langston-Matthews family and all those who have
contributed to its enduring legacy.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to
Langston Funeral Home.