Audley Matthews Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Grace – Dearly departed brother, it is with a great deal of sadness that I reflect on your transition into the after-life. Know that much of my current sadness is in having to accept the fact that you won’t be around any longer for me and others to be able to share in your zest for life, to experience your cheerful demeanor, to bask in your uplifting nature along with your expressions of love for family. It is with this level of vitality that I hope to fondly remember and celebrate you. Additionally, and for those who don’t know you as well as I or your family do, I offer this small glimpse into how you came to be, how you lived, but how you were able to triumph from such humble beginnings to leaving you mark on America and us. You were the perpetually hard-working elder brother. Always working to get to a greater goal and which included enjoying and relishing some of the finer things in life. I recall your working while just out of high school and being that responsible, proud hard-working responsible individual who was ever conscious about appearance and your always looking crisp. And through it all you were always looking out for your mother in one form or another, and quite often you would surprise her with random monetary gifts/acts. You loved and cherished you mother, that was extremely clear. So many memories, and while many are distant, I will forever recall your constant search to make a way. You made a way for yourself. And in so doing would include your loved ones along the way and through your life’s journey. You never forgot us, and you were never inaccessible. You the young man, and eldest child of eight came to these uncertain shores trying to find a way. There was no guide, there definitely was no gps then, nor was there a beginner’s manual, and there certainly was not much knowledge from which to pull. Despite it all, you strived to do your best and in so doing you made us proud. In your search to find a way and however uncertain as to whether you could or should. You remained steadfast in the ultimate quest of finding a way. It is this search for a way, where there was no roadmap, that led you to enlist in the USA armed forces, and where you made a career from which you were then able to retire with the honor and recognition bestowed by the world’s top military. From there you tried out new hats while exploring different careers and even went on to obtain a degree post-retirement. Know that you made us all proud… Regrettably, the pandemic and duty to your mother constrained my ability to lay eyes on you that one last time, to comfort you in your time of need. But know that you were and will always be abundantly loved and sorely missed. Journey on big brother, and until we meet on the other side do rest in abundant love and peace. Your sister, Grace E. Matthews Joan - You will be missed for being that humble, generous, charitable, kindhearted soul who always put others ahead of self. As my oldest brother, I recall you always looking out for your younger siblings, you constantly doting on us to make sure we were comfortable and had no wants or needs. I hope you know that you were loved dearly, that you will be missed tremendously and that you will forever hold a permanent place in all our hearts. Sorrowfully, your sister Joan

Audley Matthews

June 9, 1957 - September 17, 2020