She grew up in Drew County and attended Mt. Olive School. Helen was employed at Robert Ellis Cleaners for several years and later worked at Burlington Spinning Mill until her retirement.
She confessed a hope in Christ and became a member of Pilgrim Rest A.M.E. Church and served until her departure. She served as a Steward, President of the Sunshine Club, President of Unit 7 of the Mary E. Lee Missionary Society, Church School Teacher, and Class Leader of the Children's Class Number 21. She sung in the Senior Choir, District Choir, South Arkansas Conference Choir, Celestial Choir, and Pilgrim Rest AME Choir. She also made several record recordings with the 'Gateway Quartet'.
Helen married Jesse Matthews in 1944 and to this union nine children were born, Ivory, Jesse Jr., Delton, Roy, Harrison, Leonard, Alvern and Dyann. They also had two other children, Doyle and Joyce. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Matthews and two sons, Ivory Matthews and Jesse Matthews, Jr.
Survivors include six sons, Willie Matthew (Shirley), Roy Matthews, Harrison Matthews (Carolyn), Leonard Matthews, all of Monticello, Delton Matthews (Lori) of Little Rock, Doyle Lambert (Mildred) of Ontario, CA; three daughters, Alvern Ivory of Sacramento, CA, Dyann Jacobs of Moreno Valley, CA and Joyce Eubanks (Bill) of Maumelle; five sisters, Freddie Gray of Detroit, MI, Alma Marshall and Willie Jewel Matthews, both of Sacramento, CA, Janie Leggett of Los Angeles, CA and Bernice Bennett (W. C.) of Compton, CA; a loving daughter-in-law, Edna Matthews of Detroit, MI; 34 grandchildren, 61 great-grandchildren, 18 great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.
Condolences(12)
CLASSIE GREEN
PINE BLUFF, AR Wednesday, August 3, 2011 sORRY TO HEAR ABOUT MRS. HELEN SHE WAS A VERY SWEET PERSON. GOD BLESS THE FAMILYCynthia Burton
Compton, CA Tuesday, August 2, 2011 To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, to Mother Janie Legette, Sis. Bernice Bennet (who are my church family) & the entire family just remember that earth has no sorrow that heaven can not heal. Be Blessed!Shante' Daniels
Monticello, AR Sunday, July 31, 2011 Thank you family for allowing me the chance to hear and sing with Mrs. Mathews. God gives us angles on this earth and she was mine.Mrs. Janie Leggette
Los Angeles, CA Friday, July 29, 2011 Dear Matthews Family:We, Janie, Cornelius (Jeffery) Veronica, and Kenneth (Kenny) send you this LOVE from GOD; "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the GOD of all comfort, who comforteth us in all our tribulations that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of GOD."
From Your Loving Sister Janie & Family. Rest in Jesus my Love.
Mrs. Willie Ann Troutman
Gardena, CA Wednesday, July 27, 2011 We are praying for the family that you will cherish her beauitful memories and be comforted by the Almighty Lord (Matthew 5:4). God be with You.With Family Love,
The Troutman family (Jeffery T. Leggette)
Shanta S.
Monticello, AR Wednesday, July 27, 2011 Mrs. Helen will truely be missed. She always told how she enjoyed me playing and told me to keep playing for the Lord. I will miss her smile and laugh when we talk after church or choir practice. She was a loving person that loved everybody and had a good spirit. I will keep the family lifted up in prayer. Be strong Matthew's Family and knowing that Mrs. Helen is where can sing and praise God all day long.LaKeisha suber
Monticello, AR Wednesday, July 27, 2011 I am truly going to miss my "cudin" Helen.Trinita Phillips-Newton
Monticello, AR Tuesday, July 26, 2011 To the family, you are in my prayers. Ms. Helen was such a wonderful and sweet lady. I have great memories of her stopping by my Aunt Reatha Mae's house after choir rehearsals years ago. She was always so nice.Barbara Benton
Warren, TX Tuesday, July 26, 2011 I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. It is my hope and prayer that your memories throughout the years will help you get through this tough time. I will keep you all in my prayers. Mrs. Helen's daughter, Dyann, and I were good friends in high school, and we lost contact throughout the years. May God bless you and be with you as you deal with your mother's death.Pamela Youngblood
Monticello, AR Monday, July 25, 2011 My prayers are with the family. Mrs Helen will be truly miss by her family and also her church family.vickie
monticello, AR Monday, July 25, 2011 To the family of Mrs. Helen, she was a great lady, I worked with her for many years at Burlington.Sherry Jones
Crossett, AR Monday, July 25, 2011 Condolences to the Mathews family..Mrs Helen was a very nice lady that I worked with for years at Burlington. She was so nice to everyone and was always an inspiration to everyone!! She was always quick to give you her famous Big Smile!! RIP Miss Helen!!