Virginia Mae Matthews

Our beloved Virginia Mae Matthews, 77, was called home on passed away Wednesday, September 21, 2016. She was born in Richmond, Virginia on July 26, 1939 to the late James and Olivia Williams. She was preceded in death by her son, Ronald Hawkins and daughters-in-law, Beverly Hawkins; two brothers, William McFarlan “Bill” and James Edward Williams along with her husbands, Clyde E. Hawkins and Clarence Matthews. Virginia accepted Christ at a very young age. She was baptized at Grace Baptist Church. As a pre-teen she played the piano, and sang in the youth choir. She joined Saint Paul Baptist Church in 1987. She sang with the Chansella Choir, was a member of the Greeters, Hospitality, and the Refiners Bible Study Ministries. Virginia Williams was united in holy matrimony with the Clyde E. Hawkins on April 4, 1955 in the west end of Richmond Virginia. Their union was blessed with four children. While in a relationship with Levell Pooler she gave birth to another child in 1969. She married Clarence “Bobby” Matthews, August 4, 1984. At a young age she was employed with Richmond Social Services. While working there in 1969 she was selected with others staff to be on a committee in Washington DC, to discuss the Food Stamp process for lower income families. The committee consisted of members from the Senate and House of Representatives. She worked at Janie Porter Barrett School for Girls for several years. Virginia retired from Richmond Public Schools system after twenty-seven years of dedicated service as an Assistant Teacher. Virginia was involved in the Civil Rights Movement. She participated in sit-ins, Freedom rides, and marches. She enjoyed helping others to exercise their voting rights through Voters Registration. She was a member of the NAACP, Council of Negro Inc., Voters Registration and Neighborhood Watch. Virginia enjoyed traveling, dancing, reading, arts and crafts, and spending time with her family and friends. She was a devoted mother and grandmother; a loving and giving person of faith. Virginia cared deeply for her family, friends and all of her loved ones. She was the light of her family and was a true reflection of God’s love. Virginia was always willing to listen, encourage, and help others in need. She leaves to cherish her memory a devoted daughter, Tania A. Abayomi (Khari); three loving sons, Clyde Hawkins (Beverly), Lorenzo Hawkins (Denise) and Don Hawkins (Lteesha); seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; a very devoted friend, Levell Pooler and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Virginia Mae Matthews

July 26, 1939 - September 21, 2016