Robert E. Matthews

Robert Eugene Matthews, like many African-Americans, was a descendant of slaves. His maternal grandfather was born into slavery, the child of a slave master and a slave woman. Robert was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Robert Matthews and Gladys Matthews. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Alexandria, Virginia to live temporarily with his maternal grandparents. He received nickname of 'Tex' from his father at age 19 months. His father left about this time; he was raised by his mother and grandfather. At one time, the family moved to Florida. At one point, during the Great Depression, they were homeless for several months and were taken in by relatives while his mother looked for steady employment. He himself had to drop out of school for a year in order to work and contribute to the family finances. Eventually, the family moved back to Alexandria. In Alexandria, he excelled in sports at segregated Alexandria's all-black Parker Gray High School. At Parker Gray, he lettered in football, baseball, and basketball (where he backed up Earl Lloyd, the first African American to play in the NBA). He eventually became one of two graduates of his class to go on to college. His life situation improved when he attended Morgan State College, an HBCU, on advice from his cousin Oliver Brown, who had already been enrolled there. He was part of the varsity football program. He also pledged the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and participated in the Army ROTC program. He made some lifelong friendships there and met LaMoyne Mason, who was also a student. Tex and LaMoyne married after graduation. Over the next four years, LaMoyne gave birth to three children: Derrick, Yvette, and Kevin. After graduation in 1950, he entered the army and was initially stationed in Louisiana. In his second year of service he was transferred to Germany as a staff sergeant during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged as Sergeant First Class in November 1952. After discharge, he worked for the Baltimore City Police Department for seven years, five of them on vice squad. Subsequently, he worked for the Parole and Probation departments for several years, then for the Community Action Agency. In the mid-1970s, he returned to school and earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Maryland - Baltimore. Around this time his first marriage ended. While teaching at Morgan State University, he met Carlotta Wilkins. Eventually “Matt,” his new nickname, and Carlotta married. Together they raised Wayne “Calvin” Jones and Sheila Jones to adulthood. It was also during this period of his life that he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He joined Long Reach Church of God, now Celebration Church, and became a very active member. Over the years, he was part of the security ministry and head of the Senior Ministry. Eventually, he was also appointed as a deacon. This would have made his grandfather proud, since he had also been a deacon in the Baptist church that he had grown up in as a child. Vocationally, he began to work for the Maryland State Government in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), where he distinguished himself for 10 years before taking early retirement at age 55. This proved to be the push he needed to expand his business with Primerica Investment Services. He assisted many experienced and new investors in money management strategies. In addition, he taught others, including a young Wayne (Jay) Wilkins, Jr., on how to help others to manage their finances successfully. In 2008, he lost Carlotta to cancer after 34 years of marriage. Shortly afterwards, he also began to suffer a series of illnesses that limited his physical capacity. Because of a strong will and diligent approach to therapy, he returned to walking with a cane, driving a car, and speaking without problems. The following years continued to be difficult for him, with gradually failing health. He proved to have an indomitable spirit and to be an overcomer. He had to relinquish his business, but he continued to serve the church and maintain contact with his relatives and friends. In December 2017, he suffered his worst stroke yet, and over the next year and a half he suffered a series of setbacks, which eventually left him bedridden and in pain. He still had a strong will to live to at least 100 years old, but on the afternoon of July 6, 2019, God called his son home. He died quietly in his sleep with an attendant by his side. As mentioned, he is predeceased by Carlotta his wife and his sister Goldie. He is survived by his children Derrick, Yvette, Kevin, Wayne, and Sheila, his first wife LaMoyne, and his brother, Otis Mackey. He also has multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as a host of other family members. His family, friends, and his church community will truly miss him.

Tributes

Robert E. Matthews

March 25, 1927 - July 6, 2019