Carolyn R. Matthews

Carolyn R. Matthews, 68, of Conway, previously of Pine Bluff, passed away, Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at her home. Born October 31, 1944 in Pine Bluff, she was a daughter of the late J.R. and Maudie Halley Rodgers. She was reared and received her education in Pine Bluff, graduating from Pine Bluff High School. In January of 1969 she married James Matthews; together they had three children and shared many wonderful memories over the last forty four years. She was a homemaker in every meaning of the word; the loves of her life were her family and her church. She was an accomplished cook and enjoyed every minute of preparing huge meals for her family and loved ones. She was famously known for baking for every church function and fundraiser. She was an active member of First Methodist United Methodist Church of Pine Bluff and a member of the Pairs and Spares Sunday School Class. After moving to Conway, she began attending First United Methodist Church of Conway. She was also an active member of UTU Ladies Auxiliary. Mrs. Matthews was preceded in death by her parents and one son, Michael James Matthews. She is survived by her husband, James Matthews, of Conway; her son, Rev. Mark Matthews and wife, Ellie, of Conway; her daughter, Holly Matthews and partner, Glenna Ross of Irving, Texas; five grandchildren, Parker Matthews, Joshua Matthews, Tyler Thurman, Trinity Matthews-Ross and Delia Matthews-Ross; her two sisters Linda McDougal, of Cordova, Tennessee and Claudia Rodgers, of Winter Haven, Florida; along with a host of other extended family and friends. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Sunday, June 9, 2013, at First United Methodist Church in Pine Bluff, with Reverend David Fleming officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 5:00-7:00PM at Robinson's. Friends can sign the online register at www.ralphrobinsonandson.com. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Pine Bluff, 200 West 6th St., Pine Bluff, Ark. 71601.