SR 582: Langston Funeral Home of Buena Vista, Georgia; recognize

Senate Resolution 582

By: Senators Harbison of the 15th and Wicks of the 34th

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending Langston Funeral Home of Buena Vista, Georgia, on the occasion of its 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 SENATE 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 Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Langston Funeral Home.