Wilda Matthews

MATTHEWS, W. MAXINE, age 86, of Birmingham, Alabama went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 12, 2011 at her home in Pawnee. She is survived by two brothers, Carl Brooks (Jeanette) and Ralph Brooks (Janie); her son, Don Matthews (Claudia); her daughter, Dr. Connie M. Swillie; three grandchildren, Lori Blake (Anthony), Nathan Swillie, Natalie Swillie; and three great-grandchildren, Justin Blake, Joshua Blake, and Anna Whitley Blake. She was born on September 14, 1924 in Remlap, moved to Birmingham as a child and spent the remainder of her life there. She graduated from Jefferson County High School (now Tarrant High School) in 1942. She began dating the love of her life, Charles Matthews at age 16 until he went to war. As soon as he returned, they married and lived in the Pawnee community throughout their 65 year marriage. She was a member of Pawnee Baptist Church from the early 1950's serving faithfully as treasurer and Sunday School teacher. She worked as a bookkeeper at Fontaine Truck Equipment Company until she retired. She loved working in the yard growing plants and flowers. But will mostly be remembered as a determined but loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was indeed her life. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 15, 2011, 5pm to 7pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral home in Trussville. Funeral services will be on Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 2pm at the funeral home followed by burial at Pawnee Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in her memory to the American Cancer Society , PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123-1718, or online at cancer.org.