Gloria Mae Matthews

Gloria Mae Matthews was born on June 29, 1926 to the late Leo Johnson and Maria Miller in Hampton, VA. Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed into eternity on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 with her grandchildren, Sherrell and Smiley by her side, at the seasoned age of 95. Gloria was the strong matriarch of her family; she was a living example of what God can do with mustard seed faith. With no more than an 8th grade education, she was able to serve as a private duty nurse for over 60 years, purchase a home, become the proud owner of a Soul Food Carryout Restaurant, and also a community based dry cleaners. Often, when we think of her, we automatically visualize her red lipstick and red painted finger nails, but it was the color purple that truly had her heart. She had a passion for listening to music, especially gospel and jazz, but spending time with her family and friends were her favorite things to do; whether it was watching Sanford and Son, Sunday night football or sitting around and educating about life lessons. Gloria served on the committee board of CHUM (Coldstream, Homestead, and the Montebello Community), where they coordinated functions such as yearly block parties and Saturday morning block-cleanups for Tivoly as well as the surrounding communities. She was an advocate for black rights and ensured that here family understood the significance of voting and how it serves as one of the strongest voices in the nation. Gloria was a praying woman, who loved the Lord very much and would encourage her loved ones by saying: “Pray to the Lord, things will work out... Baby it’s going to be okay’’ (her version of Romans 8:28). She always reminded us to respect the Lord when he was doing his work through mother nature. No lights, No phone, be quiet, open the door and enjoy the breeze that God is providing during the storm. Gloria was a loving person who never judged anyone; For over 60 years, she always made sure that, no matter what, her family always had a place they could call home at 2719 Tivoly Avenue and a number to call (410-467-5220) if they needed to talk. She always took you in with a smile however you showed up at her home, never hesitating to feed you and give you a place to lay your head. Giving all who entered the feeling that she was their mother or grandma too, no matter the relation. So, when you look at yourself in the mirror, and think of Gloria Matthews, know that although she wasn’t perfect, she chose to love God and it is because of this that He chose to give her favor and blessings that overflowed to her family and friends. And now it is through the talents and gifts, of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her great- great-grandchildren that she will live on. Gloria was loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing her and she will truly be missed. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, sisters, her sons, Eugene, Tyrone and Muhammad; four daughters, Ordrey, Laura, Ernestine and Deborah; two grandchildren, Drea and Hayward; and one daughter-in-law, Boo-Boo. She leaves to cherish her precious memories: sons, Andre and Norman; two daughters, Carylon and Pamela; two daughters-in-law, Trina and Tie; grandchildren, Mark, Wenona, Andre, Laetitica, Rosa, Tanika, Ronald, Anthony, Eugenia, Sherrell, Michael H., Mikayla, Michael M., Charles, Darrell and Jermaud; lifetime friends, Marsha Thompkins, her daughter, Monique and Harry Whitelock; and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, relatives, and friends.

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Gloria Mae Matthews

January 29, 1926 - January 19, 2022