Dora Lee Matthews

On Wednesday, June 27, 2019 at Briarcliffe Manor in Johnston, Dora L. Matthews went home to be with the Lord.

She was born in Gulf, NC to the late William and Laura Matthews on November 11, 1941.

Missing her very much are her siblings: her sister, Rev. Frances McCormick of Cranston; six brothers: Derry Matthews of Gulf, NC; Bishop Ray (Lerlean) Matthews of Winter Haven, FL; Frank (Alice) Matthews of Sanford, NC;  Bishop Thomas (Willie Lee) Matthews of Sanford, NC; Deacon Hubert (Joann) Matthews of Moncure, NC; Deacon Wendell (Joyce) Matthews of Goldston, NC; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by five siblings: Elnora, Nancy, Robert, James, and William Jr.

Dora was employed for 28 years by the Rhode Island Medical Center as a CNA before retiring in November 1999.

Dora was a committed, dedicated Christian who lived her life for the Lord and the Word of God.  She was a loving and faithful member of the Beacon Avenue Church of God for over 50 years where she was active in the choir, women’s ministries department, and the Benevolence Ministry. 

She was a well-loved Sunday School teacher for many years, and she poured into many children’s lives. She not only taught them the Word of God, but she taught them the importance of having a relationship with Jesus Christ.

She was always willing to lend a hand to help someone in need.  Many people knew her as the “Broad Street Missionary.”  She was always witnessing to the people in her neighborhood.  However, she didn’t just tell them about Jesus, she would also offer to buy them lunch if they were hungry. Her acts of compassion just showed what a loving, kind person she was.  To her sister Frances she was a SWEETHEART.

She was a talented, creative person. Dora was a wonderful cook, known especially for her strawberry short cake, barbeque ribs, and lasagna.  She was also an excellent interior designer.

Although Dora was not a biological mother, she was a surrogate mother to many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  “Auntie Dora” took them under her wings and cared for them as if each of them were her responsibility.  She took every opportunity to provide for their physical needs and to tell them about Jesus. She was never a loud speaker but would very calmly and lovingly provide advice, guidance and assurance.  

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