Tributes

Genevieve Olivia Matthews, affectionately known as Gen and Mother Matthews was born on January 18, 1923, in Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland, to her devoted parents, Geneviene Jones and Clarence Jones. The first of nine children, Genevieve grew up surrounded by family, love and the values of hard work and faith that shaped her long and beautiful life. In 1936, at the age of thirteen, Genevieve moved with her family to Baltimore, Maryland. This move was prompted by the lack of educational opportunities available to African American children in Howard County. At that time, public schooling for Black students ended after the 7th grade unless families could afford private tuition. She had reached that barrier, and her parents made the brave decision to relocate to Baltimore so their children could continue their education. Shortly after settling in Baltimore, Genevieve met William Fletcher Matthews, the man who would become her partner, her steady embrace, and the love of her life. They were united in marriage on October 12, 1940, and shared 71 years together until his passing on November 25, 2010. From their union came a remarkable and blessed family of sixteen children. Gen's heart extended far beyond her own children. After the passing of her mother-in-law, she and William lovingly raised Sylvester, Edward and Elaine, her husband's siblings. She also played a significant role in the upbringing of her nieces, Cora and Catherine and nephew, Leroy. A dedicated worker and gifted seamstress, she could often be found seated at her sewing machine, making alterations for family, friends, and neighbors. She shared her talents in the community as a seamstress at Forest Park Cleaners and also worked at Rite-Aid Pharmacy, K-Mart and Silvers Bakery. Her skillful, gentle, and strong hands were anointed and healing. A woman of deep and unwavering faith, she and her husband were devoted members of First Apostolic Faith Church from its inception in August 1947 where William served as Senior Elder under Bishop Winfield A. Showell. Her service was broad and heartfelt. She sang with the Intermediate Choir and Inspirational Choir, served as a Missionary, a Minister with the Mid-Atlantic Diocese Inc, a member of the Prayer Band, a leader in the Senior Ministry, and a committed member of the Sick and Shut-In Ministry. She also served as a Nursing Home Advocate. In 1984, she also joined Sought Redeemed Hope Center to support the ministry of her daughter and son-in-law, Pastors Bobby and Eulalia Willoughby, where she served as Treasurer of the Executive Board and Mother of the church. Her life was one of quiet humility, abundant grace, and profound strength. Her siblings and their children lovingly called her Sister and Aunt Sister. In her community, she was warmly known as The Mother of Forest Park. She was granted the privilege alongside Congressman Elijah Cummings and Mayor Stephenie Rawlings Blake and the City Council in breaking ground at the Wayland Village Apartments where she was recognized as the first and oldest tenant. She transported children to church every Sunday, offered prayers and encouragement with no hesitation, and was often described as having healing hands. Her presence brought comfort her words carried peace. Mother Matthews' faith never wavered. Even in her final days, she began every statement with praise for Jesus Christ. Her beloved saying, spoken often and with conviction, was: "He didn't have to do it, but He did!" Her favorite scripture was Psalms 37:25, "I once was young, and now I old, yet I've never seen the righteous forsaken, or their seed begging bread." Mother blessed countless people with her homemade pies and pound cakes, but it was her biscuits lovingly called "Jesus Bread" by her grandchildren, that sparked many playful fights at family gatherings. Always sweet and full of love, Genevieve had a spirit that touched everyone around her. She made each person that she encountered feel uniquely cherished, a mother and a grandmother to all. Her gentle and loving spirit leaves an unforgettable imprint on every heart. On November 16, 2025, just two months shy of her 103rd birthday, Genevieve Olivia Jones Matthews peacefully transitioned from this life in Fayetteville, North Carolina where she was tenderly cared for by her oldest daughter, Phyllis Leona Matthews Geddie, surrounded by the love of the family she built, nurtured, and inspired. She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as the matriarch of 371 descendents over five generations: 16 children 69 grandchildren 151 great-grandchildren 132 second great-grandchildren 3 third great-grandchildren Her legacy is one of faith, service, strength, and love-etched into the hearts of all who knew her. She will be remembered not only for the long life she lived, but for the countless lives she touched, uplifted, and blessed along the way. Her soul is resting in eternal peace, and her legacy continues to be a guiding light for generations to come. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Matthews; her parents, Clarence and Genevieve Jones; her siblings, Clarence Jones, Jr, Earl Jones, Joseph Jones, Curtis Jones, Elmer Jones, Carolee McCroery, and Lillie May Brown; her children, Melvin Matthews, Randolph Matthews, Rudolph Matthews, Leslie Matthews, Lynette Brady, and Kenneth Matthews. She leaves to cherish her life and to follow her legacy, ten children, Phyllis Geddie (David); Eulalia Willoughby (Bobby); Charlene Matthews-Smalls; Wilma Jeter (Sonny); Marlene Price; Noble Matthews (Sandy); Lamont Matthews (Patricia); Chariesse Mclver-Robeson; Bryan Matthews; Carla Matthews; one sister, Gladys Clash; two sister-in-laws, Elaine Beads (Warren); Cheryl Jones and a host of other nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Genevieve Olivia Matthews

January 18, 1923 - November 16, 2025