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There in the hospital room we sat, my sister and I, reminiscing about the elderly gentleman that had been such a positive influence in our lives for so many years. Although, our hearts were overflowing with grief and anguish we somehow manage to gather out thoughts and place a smile on our face. We are confident that on June 12, 2021 SSG (Deacon) Robert Matthews a native of Jacksonville, Florida peacefully slept away into the arms of our Heavenly Father. As God continue to bless him with an increase in years, his health began to decline. Mr. Matthews was born as the seventh child to Hamp and Mary Davis Matthews on October 12, 1929, in a local Duval County Hospital.
The Matthews household constantly encourage their children to strive for excellence and to pursue every opportunity that was available for a person of color although somewhat limited at this time. The standards of education was sometimes equally challenging however, it was extremely important to receive a high school diploma.
Robert made an early adult decision to enlist in the United States Army on August 14, 1948. Independently, he would eventually complete his high school education and also additional post-secondary courses in the military.
In the holy scripture, the bible teaches us that GOD provided a companion for Adam. Likewise, he also provided one for Robert by the name of Betty Lucille Marsh. They exchange wedding vows on January 9, 1957, in Stephenville, Texas and he immediately was bless with a wonderful young son.
On May 31, 1973, he received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Army after receiving several medals such as The National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Campaign Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medial, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Good Conduct Medal and The Expert Rifle Badge. He also began another military career at Cecil Field several years later. While in the military he was afforded the opportunity to travel to places he once only read about in outdated history books. Robert was also in the Korean War and two tours of Vietnam.
Deacon Matthews was an uplifting spiritual individual who had an appetite for focusing on God’s words, and the belief for an everlasting life encircling his Heavenly Father. Faithfully, he served as chairman of the Deacon’s Auxiliary until his health began to deteriorate. Members of the congregation often thirst for the knowledge and wisdom that he possess concerning Biblical Christian History. No assignment at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church (Greenland) was ever degrading to him, for he considered every opportunity to be an advancement into glory. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1975, also a member of Oakland Lodge #75 and the Emanuel Progressive Baptist Association.
At family gatherings, although the humidity was extremely unbearable. In the summertime we would patiently wait for Uncle Robert’s homestyle mouthwatering ribs. The texture was so delicious that the meat would often release itself from the cartilage. It would also be unthinkable not to mention his famous Flaming Hot Salsa Sauce.
In recent years, his mental capacity was challenged as he was unable to maintain the stability he previously held. He was sometimes BOLD yet BEAUTIFUL. He always had PASSION for the next GENERATION. You see he doesn’t have to SEARCH FOR TOMORROW anymore, because now he’s with his GUIDING LIGHT.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Lucille Marsh Matthews on January 20, 2021; his parents; siblings, Gerald, Jessie Mae, Edward, Andrew, Nathaniel, Rosa, and Mary; sisters-in-law, Hattie, Annie B, Catherine, and Annie Bea; and brothers-in-law, Floyd Smith (Buckhead, Texas), Albert Guthrie, Marion Singleton and Hastings Smith.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his son, James E. Marsh (Yolanda); grandson, Raphael Hall (Colandra); granddaughters, Tiffany Marsh and Earstina Marsh; seven great grandchildren; brother, Willie Matthews; brothers-in-law, Fred Smith and Elmer Smith (Lucky); sister-in-law, Gwendolyn Smith-Williams; along with other family members and many sorrowing friends. Special thanks to Community Hospice, Governors Drive Community and caregivers, Chiquita, Trudy, Gloria, Nancy and Sarilla.
Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Southside is serving the Family.
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