Sherrill D. Matthews

SHERRILL DIANE MATTHEWS, daughter of Carrie Eector Matthews and the late John Robert Matthews, was born on October 29, 1953 in Baltimore, Maryland. She was called to God’s Kingdom suddenly on June 18, 2013. Sherrill Diane Matthews graduated from Western High School, top of her class. Many knew her as Diane a.k.a. “Sugarfoot,” because she walked so proudly and sprinkled love as she passed by you. Diane had a passion for cooking and style. She made the best homemade dressing and potato salad. It tasted that good, to smack yourself in the face. Her knowing that she was a great cook, she attended The Baltimore Culinary Institute School. She went on to become a chef in her early twenties, cooking in upscale restaurants across the Baltimore Area. Since she was a perfectionist in everything she does, Diane wanted to further her education. She had many leadership qualities that touched the lives of others. She was so intelligent and always wanted to give back. Later on in her life, she graduated from Coppin State College, earning her Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education. Diane worked so hard to achieve this goal, while working full-time as an Educator. She worked with children for over twenty-five years. Diane was employed with Johns Hopkins Institution at Walter Perkins Child Daycare Center. She had a strong, powerful passion for teaching; she loved her job in every way. Diane spoke with demand and confidence, along with her walk of intelligence. No matter what storm came by, she would try to shield her loved ones from the storm. She was a wise sister, mother, aunt and grandmother too. She always said to do your best in everything that you do. Diane always expressed love and gratitude. She was stern and didn’t back down. She would make sure that she had the last word; so the family started calling her “Captain,” because she held our family altogether. She was the backbone; and could be depended upon for any reason. She never said “No,” that wasn’t a word in her enormous vocabulary. But one word stood out most, “Alright, alright,” she said this the most. She sacrificed herself first, no matter what circumstances; she was our family “Captain.” “Queen of our jungle”, was what we all said; she enjoyed all of the good old days. Laughing, joking and foot working too. She enjoyed being around her family and friends, but most of all, she loved to work beside her mother and having her turn blue. She loved it when they hung out. once would say, “Momma why are you so uptight?” She was the best daughter, sister, mother, aunt and grandmother too. You couldn’t be mad with her for speaking the truth. She loved to be fashionably suited, with her cream, brown, gold and black leopard print. When you saw her away from work, she was dressed to impress; stepping out in her best. In her spare time she loved to read and listen to her favorite Reggae music. Diane always went out to several events, like the Jamaican Festivals and Night clubs with her sister and nieces. She loved to have fun and enjoy herself. Diane would “super soak” herself until her knees couldn’t take it no more. She enjoyed her days on this earth. A sensitive, responsible, respectful, knowledgeable, strong, passionate woman of God. Sherrill Diane Matthews leaves to carry on her legacy: two sons, Derrick and Brandon Matthews; her mother, Carrie Matthews; six sisters, Carol, Marilyn, Barbara, Gloria, Melody and Kathleen; four brothers, Theodore “Teddy,” Michael, Darryl and John “Johnny”; eight grandchildren, Jada, Savannah, Jordan, Brandon Jr., Nathan, Brionna, Brazil and Brilliant; one godson, Gerard Lewis; precious nephews and nieces, best friend for life, Mrs. Doris Gayle; and a host of friends and her shining star students.

Tributes

Sherrill D. Matthews

October 29, 1953 - June 18, 2013