Leroy Matthews Sr.

Deacon LeRoy Matthews, Sr., of Frankford, Delaware departed this earthy life to be with the Lord on Friday, October 31, 2014; he was 89 years old. Born Sunday, September 6, 1925, in Lanes (Williamsburg County), South Carolina, 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 eighteen, he was inducted and served in the United States Army in Richmond, Virginia. His military training began in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. 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, United States 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 the Calvary Pentecostal Church in Bishopville, Maryland and served diligently under the leadership and tutelage of the 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 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, Delaware, one daughter Norma Deal of Memphis, Tennessee, three sons; Pastor Alfonso (Willis) Matthews of Delmar, Maryland, LeRoy (Geraldine) Matthews, Jr. of Dagsboro, Delaware, Gary (Tandra) Matthews, Sr. of Frankford, Delaware, and another daughter-in-law Joyce Matthews Tingle of Bishopville, MD; sixteen grandchildren, thirty-one great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. Deacon LeRoy also leaves to mourn his loss, two stepdaughters, Beatrice (Robert) Trader of Georgetown, Delaware and Carla Hammond of Smyrna, Delaware and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leroy Matthews Sr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Leroy Matthews Sr.

September 6, 1925 - October 31, 2014