- Date Of Birth: April 23, 1948
- Date Of Death: February 12, 2021
- State: North Carolina
Jasper Sylvester “Vet” Matthews, the second child of Clarence Matthews Sr. and Henrietta Brooks Matthews was born on April 23, 1948. He transitioned into eternal rest February 12th, 2021 at Duke University Hospital. His parents and brothers, Clarence Lee Matthews Jr. and Herbert Matthews preceded him in death.
He joined Jordan Grove AME Zion Church at an early age, participating in various organizations. As an adult, he served the church humbly as a member of the Trustee Board, Usher Board, Senior Choir and Male Chorus. He was active on the Culinary Committee, volunteered as church custodian and helped with the grounds-keeping duties.
On September 12, 1968, he was united in holy matrimony to Gladys Marie Lane. In September 2018, they celebrated their 50th Golden Anniversary. Together they were blessed to have six children. Sylvester always joked that he wanted to have his own baseball team. A devoted husband, father and grandparent, he had love and affection for everyone with whom he came in contact. He enjoyed many activities with his wife Gladys, especially cooking and fishing. The family always looked forward to their sweet potato pies, homemade biscuits, strawberry cobbler, and homemade ice cream. Fishing trips took them from local ponds to the Outer Banks and often was the reason for summer family cookouts. Sylvester was a Chevrolet fan, owning many throughout his life. He enjoyed deer and other game hunting, gardening, working on vehicles and sports. He especially liked the Washington Football team. Mostly though, he liked being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He played with them, carried them on his shoulders, went to their sporting events and recitals and let them work with him in the yard. They all have great memories of time spent with him.
In 2014, Sylvester became a dialysis patient and enjoyed interacting with the other patients and staff at the Carolina Dialysis Center. While dialysis slowed him down a bit, he continued his activities and hobbies until his health declined.
He leaves to cherish his legacy: his loving wife of over 52 years, Gladys; his children, Dudley Lane (Christy) of Durham, NC, Donna Pulliam (James) of Creedmoor, NC, Eric Matthews (Angela) of Siler City, NC, Karen Triggs (Timothy) of Holly Springs, NC, Kevin Matthews of Winston-Salem, NC and Erika Monk (DeMaul) of Durham, NC; one sister, Carolyn Matthews of Siler City, NC; fifteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; four brothers-in law and five sisters-in law; five aunts, Ruth Whitney (William) of Greensboro, NC, Katie Brady (Joe) of Siler City, NC, Peggie Waddell (Paul) of Coleridge, NC Mary Brooks (late Billy) of Greensboro, NC and Betty Brooks (late Al) of Siler City, NC and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
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