LeRoy Matthews Sr., ordained deacon
Deacon LeRoy Matthews Sr., 89, of Frankford departed this earthly life to be with the Lord Friday, Oct. 31, 2014. Born Sunday, Sept. 6, 1925, in Lanes (Williamsburg County), S.C., he was one of four children born to the late William and Louise Davis Matthews.
LeRoy received his education in the North Hampton (Lane South) County Public School System. On May 14, 1943, at the young age of 18, he was inducted and served in the U.S. Army in Richmond, Va. His military training began in Fort Bragg, N.C. While on this journey, he was able to travel around the world. He was a World War II veteran who received many awards and declarations such as the EAME Service Medal with three bronze stars: the APT Service Medal; Phillippine Liberation Medal; Good Conduct Medal; World War II Victory Medal; and the Meritorious Unit Award. Upon returning to the USA as a technician fifth grade, he received an honorable discharge with this rank, in the 3281 Quartermaster Service Company, U.S. Army, with honest and faithful service to his country.
After his return home in 1950, he relocated to Delaware and married his wife, the late Evangelist Minnie Lola Snead Matthews. From this union they were blessed with six children. In 1960 both LeRoy and his wife Minnie joined Calvary Pentecostal Church in Bishopville, Md., and served diligently under the leadership and tutelage of Bishop Willie G. Dukes.
Because of his diligence and dedication, LeRoy became an ordained deacon in 1962, and yet served in unlimited capacities with the church, some of which include: maintenance man, bus driver, vending machine operator, drummer, Senior Usher Board member, and the Maryland State Choir. Deacon Matthews served as chairman of the Deacons Board, and remained faithful.
In addition to his parents, Leroy is preceded in death by his first wife, Evangelist Minnie L. Matthews; two children, Trustee Terry Matthews and Machelle Conquest; one granddaughter, Cassandra Cottingham; and also three siblings: Lewis, Emma and Louise.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 20 years, Jannie Hammond Matthews of Frankford; one daughter, Norma Deal of Memphis, Tenn.; three sons, Pastor Alfonso (Willis) Matthews of Delmar, Md., LeRoy (Geraldine) Matthews Jr. of Dagsboro, and Gary (Tandra) Matthews Sr. of Frankford; and another daughter-in-law, Joyce Matthews Tingle of Bishopville; 16 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Deacon LeRoy also leaves to mourn his loss, two stepdaughters, Beatrice (Robert) Trader of Georgetown and Carla Hammond of Smyrna; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
There will be a viewing Friday, Nov. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m., and the funeral Saturday, Nov. 8, beginning at noon; both services at the Calvary Pentecostal Church, 13325 Worcester Highway (Rt. 113) Bishopville, with a viewing two hours prior on Saturday, as well.
Visit www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com to leave condolences.
