Ms. Gertie B. Matthews

Gertie B. (Deberry) Matthews was born on January30, 1930, to the union of Louis and Nora Deberry in Covington, Tennessee. She was the sixth of twelve children. She received her formal education from the Tennessee Public School System. Gertie accepted Christ at an early age. After moving to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she became a member of Greater Galilee M.B.C, and later moved her membership to Unity M.B.C, under the leadership of Rev. Nathaniel Johnson Sr./Jr. Gertie was united in marriage to Henry Lee "Buster" Matthews in Covington, TN, and they were married for more than 50 years. This union was blessed with eight children. Gertie was employed by Doctor's Hospital, The Biscuit Company and Dr. Haugh until she retired. Gertie was very proud of her children, and she enjoyed time with them. Her favorite pastime was watching baseball and basketball on TV. She loved playing softball, shooting pool, reading, doing word searches, exercising and going to bible class. She also enjoyed cleaning her house and would clean yours too. Her favorite foods were fish, spaghetti, cornbread, and she loved blackberry cobbler. She had a bad habit of chewing on small safety pin which she said was calming to her. Her favorite colors were black, red and white. She had a great sense of humor and always had a smart comeback. Gertie departed this life on January 6th, 2023. Gertie leaves to cherish her memories: five daughters, Jean (John) Daniels, Peggy (Earnest) Ealy, Gwendolyn Gregory, Roventa (Arthur) Mines, Wanda (Maurice) Davis; three sons, Larry Matthews, Timothy (Judy) Matthews, Marvis (Patricia) Matthews, (her nephew she helped raise, Robert Mcguire; one sister, Mattie Glosson; twelve grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, twenty great-great grandchildren; and a long list of family and friends including Beverly McMurry, Jean Syrus, Virginia Porter and the Haugh Family. Gertie was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Lee (Buster) Matthews; parents, Louis and Nora Deberry; five sisters, Alberta Mcguire, Geraldine Glass, Fannie Lewis, Corine Johnson and Juanita Deberry; four brothers, AV Deberry, John Deberry, Charles Deberry, Jeff Deberry; and two granddaughters, Shalonda Collins and Ashley Matthews.

Ms. Gertie B. Matthews

January 30, 1930 - January 6, 2023