Maurice Matthews

Our beloved Maurice Tyrone Matthews, 76, fell asleep in death on August 27, 2016 at the Preston House in Charlotte, NC surrounded by loving friends and family. He was born in Birmingham, Al; son of the late Isaiah Matthews, Sr. and Helen Howard Matthews. In earlier years, he graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in New York. A lifelong learner and avid reader, he went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree at Bellevue University in Omaha, NE. He then earned dual Masters Degrees in Criminal Justice and History from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO).

He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and served in the United States Army and Airforce. During his military career, he worked as a Medic and received many honors of service. In his civilian vocation, he trained police officers at the academy in Council Bluffs, IA and finally retired as a professor of Criminal Justice at Metro Community College in Omaha, NE. During his teaching career, he earned numerous prestigious awards and accolades as an educator.

In 1963 he met Helen Matthews, his wife of 52 years, on a blind date. They married on March 2, 1964. Together, they built a beautiful life and had 5 wonderful children. In later years, they enjoyed traveling together, reading, and entertaining friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, Helen Matthews; four daughters, Veronica Jones (husband Michael), Lydia Matthews, Mona Jones (husband Craig), Felicia Matthews; and one son Anthony Matthews (wife Angelic) all of Charlotte, NC; several grandchildren; Chavon Alexander (husband Tony), Skyler Matthews Jones, Cora Davis, Amber Davis, Sterlin Matthews all of Charlotte, NC ; great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews; three surviving siblings; Melvin Matthews of New York; Tyrone Matthews of Virginia (wife Latrice) and Tomiko Brown of New York. He is also preceded in death by a bother, Isaiah “Ike” Matthews of Virginia. He is also survived by 3 sister in laws, Annie Hill of Silver Spring, MD, Juanita Brown of Durham, NC and Eloise Matthews of Newport News, VA.

Our father, Maurice, was a source of strength, wisdom, comfort, and knowledge. He was committed to helping all those in need. He loved Jehovah God, his wife, children, siblings, other family and friends. He loved his hobbies of music, photography, and traveling. He will be missed by all who adored him.

Arrangements under the direction of Forest Lawn West Funeral & Cremation Service, Charlotte, NC.