Mr. Earnest Matthews, Sr.

Earnest Matthews, Sr. was born to Mr. Onious Matthews and Mrs. Shirtetta Kelly on February 26, 1941 in Luxora, Arkansas. He was the third out of fifteen children. He departed this life on Monday, October 10, 2016 at the age of 75 years old. Although Earnest received a limited education, he was very resourceful and used his sense of survival skills to provide the best life for his family. He began working as a laborer for General Motors Corp. and continued there for 33 years until his retirement in 1993. While there, he also worked as a bus driver for the Buena Vista School District for over five years. Earnest Matthews had an entrepreneurial mindset and opened his own business, Matthews & Son Used Appliances in the early 80’s. He became quite the handyman, specializing initially in lawnmowers and ultimately continued to repair and sell stoves, refrigerators, washers and dryers. More likely than not he has sold or repaired an appliance for at least one person in every row here today. Those who knew him best understood that he loved his family and he would do anything for them. They called him the “right now” man because when he set his mind to do something, he had to do it, “right now”. He devoted considerable time and energy towards repairing appliances, watching home movies, shooting pool, playing cards and most of all spending time with his family and friends. Earnest was baptized at Bethlehem Temple Church and served as superintendent and deacon for many years. Later in life he restored his relationship with God at New Beginnings Life Changing Ministries. He met and married the love of his life, Willie Ann Matthews, at a very young age, on October 3, 1958, 58 years ago. To this union four boys and one girl were born; Earnest Matthews, Jr., Bobby Matthews, Fredrick Matthews, Shawn Matthews, and Mary Wynn. Earnest Matthews leaves to cherish his memory; wife, Willie Ann Matthews; four sisters, Irene (Leonard) Batts, Velvia (Charlie) Monroe, Felvia Holmes, all of Saginaw, MI and Bernice (Joe) Brooks of Osceola, AR; seven brothers, Onious (Ada) Matthews, Jr., Joe Kelly, both of Saginaw, MI, Eugene (Glenda) Kelly, Sr., Maurice (Janice) Kelly, Sr., Bobby (Rose) Kelly, Sr., Allen Kelly, Sr., all of Osceola, AR and Zebedee (Tammy) Kelly of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; four sons, Earnest (Brenda) Matthews, Jr., Bobby (Avis) Matthews, Fredrick Matthews and Shawn (Tina) Matthews; one daughter, Mary (Jermaine) Wynn; nine grandchildren, Antoinette Matthews, Courtney (Comesha) Wilson, Travis Matthews, Natasja Matthews, Lashelle (Leon) Cummings, Tija Matthews, Xavier (Dominique) Matthews, Jakeira (Jay) Matthews and Shondrea Matthews; nine great-grandchildren, Tyree Heath, Travion Matthews, Karma Scott, Tamia Matthews, Nia Sky Wilson, Darric & Da’Riyana Parker, Devario Matthews and Camari Boyd Jr.; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. His mother, Shirtetta Kelly; stepfather, Mr. Ernest Kelly; father, Onious Matthews; three sisters, Geneva Rutherford, Ernestine Woodson and Myra Robinson; and one brother, Myron Kelly, preceded him in death. “He will be deeply missed.” Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue. Pastor Otis Dickens will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. The family will be present to greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Mr. Earnest Matthews, Sr.

February 26, 1941 - October 10, 2016