On May 8, 1957, in Tacoma, Washington, a baby boy was born to Rev. Johnny W. Mathis and Luida Mathis (both deceased).  They named him Michael Levett Mathis who was affectionately known as "Squatty".   He grew up in the home of his paternal grandparents, Deacon Jonnie and Mrs. Goldie Mathis (both deceased) of Richmond, Texas.

Pastor Mathis attended Lamar Consolidated Independent School District and graduated from high school in 1975.  He also attended East Texas State University and studied at Perkins School of Theology.

Rev. Michael L. Mathis, Sr., accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Pilgrim Journey Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Ned Walker.  He was called into the ministry at the age of 19.  Rev. Michael L. Mathis, Sr. preached his first sermon and was licensed by Rev. Ned N. Walker on April 4, 1976.  He was ordained on April 4, 1978 by the late Dr. W. L. Weathers. .

Pastor Mathis' pastoral duties included:  Mays Field UMC, Milam Grove UMC, Port Sullivan UMC, St. James Baptist Church (Brookshire, Texas), Mt. Moriah Baptist Church (Crabb, Texas), Shadydale C.O.G.I.C (Houston, Texas), and The Founder of New Faith Baptist Church North East ( Houston, Texas), on May 25, 1995.

He wore many hats at his church and mastered them all well.  He was an entrepreneur as well as President and CEO of M & M Charters.  He worked for several other companies throughout his adult life.

He served as Vice-Moderator of the Concord Baptist District Association of Texas, Vice-President of the Baptist Missionary District Association, Member and Chairman of the By-Laws Committee of the North East Houston Ministers Council, and Member of Houston North Forest Chamber of Commerce.

Rev. Michael L. Mathis Sr. pastored New Faith Baptist Church N.E. for 26 years.  New Faith Baptist Church N. E. was his greatest joy.  He touched many lives and captured many hearts.  He loved God, his family, and the New Faith Church family.  He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

On Tuesday, December 24, 2019, God called Reverend Mathis home from labor to reward.  Rev. Michael L. Mathis, Sr. was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Johnny Mathis, Sr., mother, Luida Mathis, two brothers, Alger Ray Mathis and Johnny Mathis, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory: one daughter, Michelle Yvette Mathis of Rosenberg, TX;  two sons, Lance Finley of Rosenberg, TX., and Michael Levett Mathis, Jr., of Houston, TX;  One sister, Dorothy Webster of Houston, TX;  two brothers, Adrian Mathis and Anthony Mathis, Sr., of Houston, TX;  five aunts, Sandra Franklin and Brenda Lofton, both of Rosenberg, TX, Dorothy Walker, Ruby Spillar, and Melba Edwards;  one great uncle, Billy Ray (Church) Williams;  two lovely grandchildren, Xzavier Leon Lewis, and Jarvis Jamont Livingston;  and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, pastors, ministers, and friends.

Celebration of His Life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2020.  Visitation starting at 9 am followed by funeral service at 11 am.  Both services will be held at New Faith Baptist Church North East, 8955 N. Wayside Dr., Houston, Texas 77028.  Pastor Montari Morrison, Sr., Officiating - Pastor Nelson LaFleur, Eulogist.

He shall rest at Golden Gate Cemetery - Houston, Texas.