Percy Matthews

Percy Matthews began his journey of life on December 10, 1933 in Greenville, Mississippi. Born to parents Elder James Matthews and Naomi Jennings Matthews who preceded him in death, Percy was the 2nd child of 12 children. While he was living in South Bend, Indiana, he enlisted into the army in September of 1956{Honorably discharged in 1962}.

Percy married his beautiful wife Annie G. Matthews in April of 1953, and took night school classes to complete his education at Roosevelt High School. In 1960, he relocated to the state of California with his family. A dedicated and loving father, Percy and his wife raised their family in Los Angeles, California. When he was discharged, Percy continued his pursuit of education and attended California State University, Los Angeles, where he joined the Los Angeles Chapter-Alpha Kappa Psi fraternity. From 1971 to 1972, he worked at a Jet Propulsion Lab, where he served as an Administrative Assistant in Pasadena, California. He went on to obtain his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, specializing in Marketing & Transportation from California State University, Los Angeles in 1972. Percy became a dedicated employee of Yellow Freight for well over 20 years in Barstow as Residential Manager and Line Dispatcher/Linehaul Administrator, seasoned with experience in the transportation industry.

Once he was delivered, Percy’s devotion was firmly planted in his faith and devotion to God. He was an original member of Testimonial Cathedral Church of God in Christ, where he served as a Deacon and member since 1968 under the presiding leadership of Pastor J.B. Hackwork. Percy held many roles over the many years at Testimonial Cathedral. As he took on being an Usher, Deacon, or managing administrative duties as a purchasing manager, and acting Director of Testimonial’s Public Relations Department; Percy’s commitment to serve God, as well as the people of God to his best ability was unwavering.

Percy is survived by his children Marilyn Franklin Matthews[Trent Franklin] of Perris, CA; Shirley Matthews of Riverside, CA; Kathy Matthews of Las Vegas, NV; Brenda Matthews of Federal Way, WA; and Reginald Matthews[Cindy Matthews] of Victorville, CA, as well as his brother William Braylark and his sister Gloria Austin. Percy Matthews was preceded in death by his parents Elder James Matthews and his mother Naomi J. Braylark; as well as his wife Annie G. Matthews; and his son Percy LaVon Jr.; and his daughter Sherry Ann. He was also preceded in death by his sisters; Pearlie May Herron, Willa May Fisher, Alta May Hackworth, Juanita Donnell, Noami Johnson, Julie Anne Smith; and his brothers Sammie Matthews, David Braylark, and Edgar Braylark.

Percy loved traveling to visit his family and strongly advocated to keep us all connected. He heavily influenced the tradition of our biennially-occurring Matthews/Braylark/Jennings family reunion, and frequently expressed his wish that they continue well after his time on earth passed. Percy was a man of knowledge and education and always encouraged his younger family to indulge in school and hardwork. He had a deep love for music and sports and being a “people person”, he was always making new friendships and deep bonds. He was into politics and enjoyed applying his time to petitions/Civic Organizations for societal changes. His deep love for his family was, and will continue to be felt across multiple generations as a loving Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Great-Great Grandfather, Uncle, and Brother to so many.

Scripture

Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins. -Psalms 25: 16-18

Poem

With God by our side, we mourn and shed our tears for our loss.

With open hearts and lifted minds, we bind together as one to

Rejoice and have gratitude for what was left behind.

-By Great Granddaughter Faith

Acknowledgments

We want to acknowledge Angela H. Wilson for officiating the service.

The family would like to say thank you for all of your sympathy, support and comfort. All of the kind words or even a simple phone call, and stopping by to check in. Know that we will not forget all the kindess shown during our time of loss and it is greatly appreciated.

*Immediately following the burial, we will be gathering together for a dinner at Golden Corral in Mereno Valley

12125 Day St building q, Moreno Valley, CA 92557

(951)-369-1024

$15-20 per person