Birdie Fay Kerlin Matejowsky Eskew
March 19, 1930 – March 11, 2018
Birdie Fay Eskew was born on March 19, 1930, in Taylor, Texas, daughter of Ruth and Ben Kerlin. Birdie left her children and temporary home to reside in heaven for eternity with her lord and savior, Jesus Christ. With her children by her side, Birdie passed at her home in Buda, Texas on March 11, 2018, at 5:30am, the age of 87 years young. Birdie was truly young at heart, soul and mind until her last breath; “we all loved that about her so much.” Her physical body was tired and weak after having struggled with several illnesses at the end of her physical life. What a rejoiceful day it was in heaven when Birdie met her maker on March 11th.
Birdie was a woman who faithfully served God, loved her children and family unconditionally. She was an amazing mother, a grandmother and great grandmother, a sister, an aunt and an undeniable friend to many, who all loved her dearly. Birdie had nine beautiful, natural children; Rodney, Sherry, Susan, Shea and Scarlet Matejowsky and Tammy, Sam Jr., Wendy and the baby, Steven Eskew. Birdie’s first husband, Edwin Paul Matejowsky Jr., was killed in an automobile accident just after the birth of their youngest daughter, Scarlet. Later in life, Birdie married Sammy Eugene Eskew Sr. and together they birthed four children to complete their family of nine. A big family and a household full of love, laughter, good times, challenging times, and more noise than one can imagine! Birdie especially loved the holiday season; Christmas at the Eskew home was nothing less than Christmas in a story book. Birdie instilled family traditions with her children singing Christmas carols in the wee hours of the morning and before they could enter the living room to see what Santa had left for them. You can imagine with nine children, the beautifully wrapped gifts that filled the room and how exciting the anticipation of Christmas morning was for all her children, who vividly remember these eventful times. You see, Birdie was special, she had such deep love her children; their happiness meant everything to her and her heart was full when she saw the excitement in her children’s eyes. These same family traditions still exist in her grown children, with their own families today.
In today’s times it often seems that families lose sight of each other; hectic schedules and just living life seems to get in the way of the important and meaningful things in life. Birdie and her family were not the “norm” of today, they are very close; celebrate together, shop together…literally until they wanted to drop. Kohl’s was a favorite of Birdie’s; she once told her daughters, “when I die, bury me in Buda so when you are on your way to Kohl’s I’ll be sitting on my headstone in a white flowing gown waving as you drive by.” Birdie loved roses; she had the most beautiful blooming flowers; she was often referred to as the flower whisperer. Working in her yard made her proud and it was something she loved to do. Birdie also loved to chat. Her children called her daily and conversations that should take a few minutes, would go on for hours. She always had an ear to listen and a shoulder to lean on; she was honest and never judgmental. Birdie enjoyed the simple things in life, afternoon drives, looking at homes, dining out with her children and even “The Voice” with Blake Shelton. She also found great comfort in listening to her all-time gospel favorite, Jimmy Swaggart.
Birdie was blessed as a grandmother to thirty-one grandchildren, thirty-five great grandchildren and six daughter and son-in-law’s. She was proud of each of them for their own unique accomplishments, there are so many. It didn’t matter if they chose to make a life in Puerto Rico, earned a football scholarship to attend Cornell University or worked hard to make a living for themselves. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren all followed their many passions and she loved every single one of them just the same.
Birdie spent most of her life as a resident and business owner in the Oak Hill community. She owned and operated several successful child care centers and had a phenomenal impact on the children and families of who she served for more than 25 years. Birdie worked hard, and she was well respected for doing so. She built lasting relationships with parents and children across Southwest Austin. The countless hours she put in to provide the best of the best care for the children she served, was remarkable. Children were naturally drawn to Birdie, she had a genuine heart of gold, she was generous and kind. She worked many years in the child care industry and made an impeccable name for herself and her teaching staff. She was proud of her center, Toddle Inn Child Development Center.
Mother, you have fulfilled God’s plan on earth; your journey has ended, but your life in heaven has just begun. Jesus has taken you to a beautiful place where there is no pain and no suffering; you are healed in mind, body and soul and we truly believe that. In God’s time we will meet you in paradise; until then we are comforted in knowing that you are in our hearts forever and always. We will remember the things that you have instilled in us, to serve God first, to cherish our family and to love each other. We miss you terribly already, but we’ll be okay Mom, we promise. Go now and rest peacefully, you’re in the arms of the angels, right where you are meant to be for eternity. We will love you forever, Mom.
Your children~ Rodney, Sherry, Susan, Shea, Scarlet, Tammy, Sam Jr., Wendy and Steven.
Visitation will be held on from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at Cook-Walde/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held on at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at Life Austin Church in the Chapel, at 8901 Hwy. 71 West, Austin, Texas. 78735, immediately followed by a Graveside Service at Live Oak Cemetery, 10739 Twin Creeks Road, Manchaca, Texas 78652.
