Obituaries

Roy Eason Matheney Sr.

Photo of Roy Eason Matheney Sr.
On Wednesday, July 27, 2011 the Supreme Architect of the universe, in his infinite wisdom, called from labor to reward, Bishop Roy Eason Matheney Sr. Bishop Matheney's life was one of servanthood and faith. He was an exemplary leader with a heart for people from all walks of life. He was a mentor and father of the gospel to many pastors, elders, and evangelists. Although Bishop Matheney's father was a prominent leader in the African Methodist Episcopal church, he was most influenced by his Pentecostal mother who guided, cheered, and chastised him into the leader he was to become. Bishop Matheney was constantly taken to church wherehe was trained in many aspects of the ministry. Although he knew how to lecture, he had never preached until a special night in 1955 in Dermott, Ark. While visiting a service in Dermott, Bishop Matheney was invited to bring the message. Although he was not sure about his call to preach, God gave him the confirmation when he open his bible to St. John 15:16, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and ordained you that ye should go and bring forth fruit." This night not only changed his life, but it would later change the lives of thousands. Several years passed and Bishop Matheney Sr. became one of the youngest ordained Elders in the Arkansas area for the Churches Of God In Christ. He worked diligently to establish himself before his church superiors. For several years he held three positions; full-time employee at Georgia Pacific, contracted custodial worker, and minister. Bishop Matheney continued to live by faith. This was exemplified in many of his actions such as leaving his job in 1969 to go into ministry full-time, building a new church with very little money, traveling back and forth to pastor two churches that were approximately three hours apart, and building and navigating a Jurisdiction as Bishop, while still striving to be a faithful father and husband at home. Bishop Matheney's life exuded faithfulness, a heartfelt ministry bringing others to Christ. Bishop Matheney was a man of faith. He lived his life standing on the Word of God. Standing firm on Phillipians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me," he truly believed that he could get any job done with the help of the Lord and was not afraid to move forward in the visions that God gave him. He was a man among men, a true servant of God, exemplary leader, advocate for the downtrodden and Disciple of Christ. Since his birth, 75 years ago, Bishop Matheney's life has been inextricably centered on the Church. Bishop Matheney was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Willie and Missionary Jewil Matheney, his sister, Mrs. Bernice Veal and brother, Mr. James Matheney. Survivors include a loving wife of 55 years, Mrs. Verleen Danzy Matheney; six sons, Supt. Roy (Dana) Matheney, Elder Ricky (Lisa) Matheney, and Mr. Ralph Matheney, all of Crossett, Ark.; Elder Ronald (Helen) Matheney, of Camden, Ark., Elder Rodney Matheney of Conway, Ark., and Dr. Robert "Dennis" (Beverly) Matheney of New Orleans, La.; one daughter, Dr. Roselyn "Connie" (David) St. Etienne of New Orleans, La.; two sisters, Missionary Yvonne Rucker, Missionary Lois (Robert) Cole both Los Angeles, Calif.; three brothers; Mr. Eddie Earl Matheney of Atlanta, Ga., Bishop Willie Joe (Jean) Matheney of New Port Richey, Fla.; and Mr. Marvin Matheney of Sacramento, Calif.; 20 grandchildren; LaTonya, Toya, Tiffany, Stephanie, Natalie, Patrice, Alicia, Myesha, Shambrhee, Candice, Chloe, Jarrod, Aaron, Gabriel, Zachary, Judah, Benjamin, Keith, David, and Daniel; two great-grandchildren; Nicholas and Vaelyn; a special aunt, Mrs. Novella Lewis of Little Rock, Ark.; the Danzy family, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A wake will be held Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Davis Memorial Church Of God In Christ, Crossett, Ark. The Civic and Jurisdictional Service will be held Thursday August 4, 2011 at 7 p.m. at El Dorado Municipal Auditorium, El Dorado, Ark. The official National Homegoing Celebration of the Prelate of the Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Arkansas, Bishop Roy E. Matheney Sr. will be held Friday, August 5, 2011, 11 a.m. at El Dorado Municipal Auditorium, El Dorado, Ark. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Bishop Roy Matheney Memorial Fund at P.O. Box 926, Crossett, Ark. 71635 c/o Davis Memorial Church or www.bishopmatheneymemorialfund.com. The funeral services are under the direction of Christian Brothers Funeral Home, 738 E. Oakland Street, Monticello, Ark. 71655, www.christianbrothersfuneralhome.com.

Published August 3, 2011

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