Thomasine Turner Matthews

Thomasine Turner Matthews, the daughter of the late Wilhelmina Hyland Turner and Noah Turner (stepfather), and the late Drake White, was born on May 3, 1931 in Laurel, Delaware. Thomasine received her education at the Paul Laurence Dunbar School in Laurel, Delaware. Her early places of employment included Matthew Poultry Processing Plant in Laurel, Delaware. At an early age she moved to New York and was trained as a "live-in" Nanny. She worked in that field until she returned to Delaware. After returning, she was employed at Chris Craft Boats and as a homemaker. She was a great cook; baking all kinds of unique and special treats for her children as well as the many friends of her children. She was one of the "neighborhood moms". Her banana-nut bread, banana pudding and sweet potato pies were of award-winning quality! She even made sweet potato "yeast" rolls....not biscuits! And she was known to always keep a 5-gallon can of "Charles Chips" potato chips in the house. She took brief custody of Serena's 2 oldest children so that Serena could join the United States Army. Thomasine then moved to San Antonio, Texas for several years to assist with the care of Allison and Charles. Thomasine loved to travel and would fly to Florida every year until she became too ill to travel. Anyone who knew Thomasine, knew she didn't bite her tongue! She loved shoes and handbags, once purchasing a pair of shoes she already had. She was an avid collector of Mickey Mouse memorabilia....especially the watches. Before departing this earth, some years ago, she became a disciple of Jesus Christ. She was an active member of New Zion United Methodist Church where Reverend Elaine Ayers was her pastor. Preceding her illness, when she was able to attend church, she was on the Building Fund Committee, United Methodist Women, and the Homecoming Committee. On Thursday morning, February 9, 2017, Thomasine made her Heavenly departure to be in the presence of the Lord in Paradise. The first of Six Generations, Thomasine leaves to cherish her memory: four daughters and two sons: Reverend A. Martina Dupont (Michael) of Laurel, Delaware; Reverend Serena E. Bennett (Lawrence) of Clearwater, Florida; Terrance A. Felipa of Mardela Springs, Maryland, Willis T. Matthews of Smyrna, Delaware and Alicia L. Williams of Salisbury, Maryland and Donna Y. Matthews of Laurel, Delaware. Grandchildren: Colleen Y. Dobson, Minister Tracey W. Hughes (Shawn), Allison C. Martin (Alfred), Charles A. Felipa, Sr. (Rebecca), Raymond L. Bennett, Tenissa Scott, Rayme S. Felipa, Anika T. Felipa, Terrance A. Felipa II, Jahzara Alexandria Felipa, Alfred Baynard (Keosha), Jameik Matthews, Angelica Page (Howard) and Daraius Matthews (Kelly). Two special children Anya and Keyon Goslee who called her "Mom". 26 great grandchildren and 17 great-great grandchildren and 1 great-great-great grandson; a dedicated and faithful friend who often assisted in her care, Demenika and a long time very special friend, Willis Matthews. Robert Oney, Thomasine's neighbor showed kindness during her illness and often assisted Donna in caring for Thomasine To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomasine Turner Matthews, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Thomasine Turner Matthews

May 3, 1931 - February 9, 2017