Maria Matlock

MATLOCK, MARIA JOAN MARTIN Born August 12, 1947, Joan was a long time resident of Clay, AL. She grew up in Tarrant, AL where she attended Tarrant High School until her senior year where she graduated from Woodlawn High School. Joan's life was built upon her strong faith in Jesus Christ. She lived her life according to His Word that He had laid out for her. Joan lived in service to her church, community, friends and family. She was a member of Clay United Methodist Church for 37 years where she had served in the capacity of Sunday School teacher, UMW President, Lay Delegate to the Methodist Annual Conference, Puppet Ministry leader, and many other roles. She loved her Savior and her church. She was also involved in the Emmaus Walks and Epiphany Ministries by bringing others to Christ. Serving others brought her great joy. In the community she was the coordinator of the community food pantry - being the hands of God and serving those in need; and for 17 years coordinated the Clay Senior Citizen's Valentine's Day Luncheon by serving them lunch and providing amazing entertainment. Her absolute favorite service of love was her yearly duties as the kitchen coordinator at Brasher Springs Camp Meeting. Joan's great-uncle John Brasher, a Methodist preacher, founded the week long Holiness Camp Meeting. Every year in July, she would coordinate cooking for 100+ people three meals a day for eight days. This was family and she cherished every moment that she cooked for them. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Clem Matlock, her three children, Jane Reeves (Derek), Jimmy Matlock (Janet) and Jennifer Cleiland (David); six grandchildren, Kyle Reeves, Nicole Reeves, Ryan Reeves, Noah Matlock, Daniel Cleiland, and Rachel Cleiland; sisters Judy Gallops (Bill), Jane Poe (Jerry); eight nieces and nephews and a host of loving friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Dick and Robbie Martin and her brother, Russell Martin. Memorial service will be held at Clay United Methodist Church Thursday, January 5 with receiving of friends at 10:30 and the memorial at 12:00. A special thanks from the family to Odyssey Hospice for her blessed care. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to Clay United Methodist Church in her memory. Jefferson Memorial Trussville directing