Deaconess Alice J. Matthews

Deaconess Alice Jean (Williams) Matthews was born August 7, 1951 to the late Frank Willams Sr. and Rosa Lee Williams(Whitaker)in Rich Square, North Carolina. While growing up she was nicknamed Jean, after her grandfather. During her time at W.S Creecy School, she was one of the only two girls ever enrolled in the Agriculture Program; along with Eunice Ward and achieved High Honors. Alice also played on the Girls Basketball Team and was part of the “Fearson Five”, along with Peggy Ann Cary, Eunice Ward, Janie Harrison and Diane Harrison. Alice also attended Norfolk State University . As a young child, Alice was always into fashion, and enjoyed every minute of dressing up. Alice was voted “Best Dressed” in school and wore that title well. When Alice went shopping, it was always a lovely experience for her. One thing for sure, she bought what she wanted; and found a hat to match her outfits. Alice was a woman of great integrity and strong faith. In her adult years, she met her late husband, Deacon Cecil Matthews in 1970 and fell in love. Alice and Cecil was married at Canaan Baptist Church in Paterson, NJ by the late Dr. Rev. Gadson Graham in 1973. As a devoted wife of forty-five years, she was cherished by her late husband Cecil. She enjoyed photography, traveling, sewing, crocheting, baking and had an extreme shopping addiction; and was a collector of jewelry, hats, sunglasses, antiques and memorabilia’s. Alice had two children: Nicholas and Keisha. She was a phenomenal mother, and great provider to her children, grandsons: Jairus, Joshua, and Jordan, and great-grandchildren: Audree, Aasim, Azaria and Amazin. Alice began her most important life's work- serving God and raising her family. She joined Canaan Baptist Church, where she was a member for over thirty years. She was on the Senior Usher Board; were she served as the President for several years. She was also a member of the Mass Choir and Emergency Choir, also serving as the President for several years as well. Alice joined Second Baptist Church in 2004 along with her late husband, Cecil Matthews; where she was a member of the Board of Deaconess until her passing. Alice worked as a Commercial Loan Supervisor in Banking and Finance for forty-three years, and she retired from the United States Postal Service as a General Clerk of twenty-one years. She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving son Nicholas Dante' Matthews of Paterson, NJ; and daughter: Keisha Shenell Matthews-McGill of Paterson, NJ; three grandsons: Jairus Juwan F.D. Matthews (Ke'Iris), Joshua Ja'rel McGill both of Jacksonville, Florida, and Jordan Josiah McGill of Durham, NC, four great-grandchildren: Princess Audree Dominque Jefferson, Master Aasim Dikembe L.S. Matthews, Princess Azaria Rose R. Matthews, and Master Amazin Cecil Matthews all of Jacksonville, Fl; two loving sisters: Frances Lee Williams and Gloria Marie Boyce both of Paterson, NJ; one uncle: Jessie” Bo- Peep”Harrell( Dora Mae) of Paterson, NJ; four sister-in laws: Margaret Williams of Paterson, NJ, Hermaine Michelle Matthews of Onancock, VA, Deborah “Paulette" Victory of Huntersville, NC, and Tammi Duffy of Fayetteville, NC; three brothers in-law: James "Michael Victory of Huntersville, NC, Charles George of Goldsboro, NC and Keith Duffy of Fayetteville, NC; ten godchildren: Kevin Cary, Andre Boyce, Bryant Kevin Richardson, Jr., Sonya Harris, Lashena Reynolds, Lashana Matthews, Michael Williams Jr, Mia Rose Williams, Sheila Eaton and Darlene Darring; adopted grandchildren: Jasmine and Terrance Eaton; childhood cousins and classmates Peggy Ann Cary, Jessie “JC” Cary and Patricia “Tish”Boyce, special family friends: Beverly Scott, Patricia and Irvin Barrentine, Second Baptist Church Deaconess Board, Second Baptist Church family and Canaan Baptist Church family; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.