Matthew Archibald

Deacon Matthew Alfonso Archibald was born on April 21, 1945 to parents Anthony and Julia Agatha Archibald. He was the second of seven children in their union. Sonny as he was affectionately called, was born in Mandeville, Manchester Jamaica. He attended Mandeville All Age School, Beaumont High School evening classes and the evening institute of College of Arts Science and Technology, (now University of Technology). He earned diplomas in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating from Sheridan Vocational Technical Center in Hollywood, Florida and also from National Technical Schools in Los Angeles, California. He also earned an Industrial Electronics certification from the Technical Publishing Company.

He was married to Zelda May Bartley on August 14, 1971 in May Pen, Clarendon Jamaica. This union produced two children Michelle and Monique. He worked tirelessly in his home church at Battersea New Testament Church of God, Mandeville, Jamaica as a Deacon from age 19, Sunday School Teacher, Assistant Clerk, Youth Leader and did ministerial duties whenever we didn't have a Pastor. Deacon Matthew was an electrician by profession. He worked with several companies in Jamaica as well as the United States. He rose to the level of supervisor or foreman due to his dedicated work ethic and leadership skills.

In 1987 he migrated to the United States of America and settled in Miami Gardens with his family. He became a member of Grace United Community Church, where he was involved in the following ministries; Senior Deacon, Finance Committee, Men's Fellowship, Sunday School, and the Praise Choir. He also worked diligently on the church hall investing countless hours of time and effort in doing all of the electrical work and wiring. His dedication to the Lord from the early age of ten years was exemplified in his dignified disposition, daily demeanor, church and family life. He led a God fearing, noble, and humble life, gave of his entire service to the work of the Lord and took care of his family.

These characteristics were reflected until the very end of his life, when on his hospital bed he uttered his last words "Jesus make me comfortable". He also still ministered to those who visited him in the hospital and gave them their life’s blessings. He is survived by his wife Zelda Archibald, children Michelle Archibald-Lewis and Monique Archibald, grandchildren, Jhoshua Lewis and Jheremiah Lewis, Son-In-Law Minister Victor Lewis, siblings, Muriel Archibald-Anglin, Bishop Dr. Dennis Archibald, Reverend Patrick Archibald, Wellington Archibald, Margaret Archibald-Murdock, Donald Anthony Archibald, and Lena Archibald-Thorpe. He also leaves behind a number of relatives and friends and co-workers, nephews, nieces, sisters and brothers-in-laws. He will be missed, but we are comforted in the knowledge that he is in the presence of the Lord.

Rest in peace Deacon Matthew Archibald and may God's light shine on you perpetually.