In Loving Memory of James Matthews

home going celebration
Saturday, June 13, 2020
Eleven O’clock AM
Savannah Grove Freewill
Baptist Church
3411 US Highway 52
Coward, South Carolina
Bishop Kenneth L. Gibson, Pastor
james bernard matthews
October 2, 1953-June 4, 2020

r. James Bernard Matthews was born in
Florence County on October 2, 1953 to the late
Texas Sr. and Louise Davis Matthews. On
Thursday, June 4, 2020, James entered into eternal rest.
james bernard
matthews
Sunrise: October 2, 1953
Sunset: June 4, 2020
In addition to his parents, James is preceded in death
by two siblings, Hartford “Rock” Matthews and Annie
“Snoot” Leftwich, Gussie Matthews And Devon Matthew,
who were raised in the home as brothers.
James attended the public schools of Florence County.
He was formerly employed with Socar Steel Plant
where he worked for 8 years, then was later employed
with Vulcraft (Nucor Steel Plant) for 28 years until his
retirement.
At an early age, James became a member of Savannah
Grove Freewill Baptist Church in Coward, South Carolina,
where he accepted Christ as his personal Lord
and Savior. For years until his health declined, James
served as a faithful member and worker in the church
as a Trustee, Usher, member of the Male Chorus and
Gospel Choir, Praise Team Leader, and “Sound-Room
Guy…” you name it, he did it. He was also a dedicated
brother of Olive Grove Masonic Lodge #339.
In 1976, James married Magalene P. Matthews and
shared 44 wonderful years with her.
James, affectionately known as “Bay-Boy,” enjoyed
fishing, baseball and working in the yard. He especially
loved fishing and singing. James loved family gatherings,
and would most of the time be the grill master
of the events. You could always catch him smiling and
always having a joke to tell. He was the kind of man
you couldn’t help but to love. If he gave you his word,
you could count on it. However he could support, he
would. One thing he loved most of all was his family
and grandchildren.
Those left to cherish his memories include: his beautiful
wife and queen, Magalene P. Matthews; three
children: Brandon Matthews, Tameika (Korsten)
Zimmer and Anthony Johnson, all of Florence, SC; six
grandkids; two very special God kids, Quentin Robinson
and LaShawn McElveen; eight sisters: Deloris
Leftwich of Raleigh, NC; Barbara Stokes of Hillside,
NJ; Joyce Matthews of Paterson, NJ; Janice Cruell of
Easley, SC; Myra ( Jackie) McFadden of Lake City, SC;
Denise Matthews of Florence, SC; Virginia Matthews
of Coward, SC; and Kimberly Matthews of Coward,
SC; three brothers: Texas Matthews, Jr. of Carson,
CA; Glenn “Bill” (Annie) Matthews of Coward, SC
and Tony (Diane) Matthews of Columbia, SC; two
aunts, Evangelist Rebecca Davis of Snellville, GA; and
Evangelist Isco Davis of Norwalk, CT; three sistersin-law:
Helen Butler of Florence, SC; Bertha Comer
of Florence, SC; and Beatrice Newton of Florence, SC;
two brothers-in-law, Willie Gwen Pickens of Cades,
SC and Jerome Pickens of Florence, SC; two special
sisters-in-law, Annie J. Matthews of Coward, SC;
and Laura Matthews of Cades, SC; two special nephews,
Gregory ( Janice) Matthews of Raleigh, NC; and
Rickey Matthews of Paterson, NJ; and a host of other
nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
To Maki, Emani, Raymon, Jahbriya, Jabahri and KS:
Papa was so proud of you guys. Every moment spent,
rather it was a game or practice he attended, it always
made his day. To Raymon and Maki (his fishing buddies),
carry on what he taught you.

always in our hearts
“God Saw You Getting Tired”
God saw you getting tired,
When a cure was not to be;
So He wrapped His arms around you,
And whispered, “Come to Me.”
You didn’t deserve what you went through,
So He gave you rest;
God’s garden must be beautiful,
For He only takes the best.
And when I saw you sleeping,
So peaceful and free from pain,
I could not wish you back
To suffer that again.
Your Loving Wife,
Magalene
God Was Calling You as the Day was ending God’s work
was just beginning for he knew that one of his angels had
to come on home. For His calling was bigger than our
intentions, God already knew his marvelous mission, and
had prepared himself to be Present with the Lord who sits
on the throne in heaven. Through life, you have been a living
testimony and proved God’s goodness every day. You
loved your family and displayed kindness and compassion
each and every way. I have to say, you had served your
community and church with gladness, and you fought
a remarkable fight, As you continued to strive towards
God’s great commission day and night. For we know this
will be a hard one to swallow, God’s will is of which you
chose to follow. And sometimes we may not understand
the reasons of you leaving, But the Lord knew your soul
was tired and needed your healing. So, he softly touched
your hand and you gently received his touch. He wrapped
his arms around you and whispered, “It’s time my son “.
All the pain and grief is over, and your restless days have
passed; you are now at peace forever, safely home at last.
So don’t feel sorrow that he had to leave, for he is finally
free indeed. He is following the path God laid for thee.
Finally rest in power and eternal peace.
We love you Rest in Peace to our song-bird,
Uncle Bay-Boy

order of service
Bishop Kenneth L. Gibson, Presiding
Prelude .................................................................................................... Musicians
Processional/Final Viewing .........................................................Ministers & Family
Hymn of Praise: “No Not One” ...................................................................... Choir
Invocation ......................................................................... Bishop Kenneth L. Gibson
Scriptures:
Old Testament .................................................................... Reverend Michael Spears
New Testament ................................................................... Evangelist Hilton Cooper
Kind Reflections (Please limit to 3 minutes)
Church—June Robinson (Cousin)
Male Chorus—Larry Robinson (Cousin)
Community—Deborah Trevol (Cousin)
Family—Alston Frison (Cousin)
Texas Matthews, Jr. (Brother)
Special Tribute ........................................................................... Kimberly Matthews
Acknowledgments .............................................................................Sharon Johnson
Tribute from the Son ................................................................... Brandon Matthews
Words of Comfort .............................................................. Bishop Kenneth L. Gibson
Solo ........................................................................ Latisha Ross (His Little Songbird)
Recessional ...................................................................................... Medley of Songs
Committal—Benediction—Interment
Savannah Grove Freewill Baptist Church
Coward, South Carolina
Repast
Savannah Grove Freewill Baptist Church Fellowship Hall
Floral & Pall Bearers
Nieces and Nephews

God saw the road was getting rough,
The hills so hard to climb
He gently closed his loving eyes
And whispered, “Peace be Thine’
A precious and dear one from us is gone
A voice is hushed and still
A place is vacant in our home
That never can be filled.
Love,
Your Grandkids
In Appreciation
We, the family, wish to express our deepest appreciation for all acts of kindness shown to us during
our time of bereavement. Thank you for your phone calls, cards, flowers, support and prayers.
God bless you all for your thoughtfulness and concerns. Sincere thanks to the doctors and staff of
MUSC Charleston and Florence, South Carolina.
Arrangements
Ideal Funeral Parlor
106 East Darlington Street • Florence, SC
Phone: 843-662-3581
You can view the Program Online
by scanning this QR Code
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Boston: 617-971-8590 • Main: 980.231.1476. www.CherishedKPS.com