Gerry grew up in Sacramento, California, and graduated from Grant Union High School in 1953. She married her husband Robert (Bob) Matthews in 1959. In the early years of their marriage, while growing their family, Bob and Gerry moved many times throughout California. In 1970, they packed up once again and moved their family across the country to Woodbine, Georgia. There, they raised their children in a loving home with strong family ties and traditions, creating memories that are deeply cherished. In 1981, the Matthews family moved back to California and settled in Clovis, where she joyfully watched her family grow and enjoyed sharing the same traditions with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her favorite things to do with her family were playing games at the dinner table like Canasta, Yahtzee, and Scrabble, and it was guaranteed that she would have sweet treats on the table!
Gerry would say the best part about moving back to California was being able to spend time with her twin brother Gerald and her sisters Eileen, and Mary, and their families. Whether she was known as Gerry, Dwanee, Mom, Grandma, or GG to you, she loved spending quality time with those she loved. Lunch dates with friends, conversations over coffee, or just talking on the phone. She enjoyed bowling for many years with her husband and friends, the last time she bowled was on her 80th birthday.
Gerry lived a happy and blessed life filled with beautiful memories. In her final days, just as she would have wanted, Gerry was surrounded by her family and loved ones. The family takes great comfort knowing she was welcomed into heaven wrapped in the arms of our Savior Jesus Christ, reunited with those she loved who entered into heaven before her, and that one day we will see her again.
Geraldine is survived by her son Greg Matthews; her son Frank Matthews (Vira); her son Mike Matthews (Serena); and her daughter Julie Kamana (Brian); her brother Gerald Lefor and her sister Mary Smith; her grandchild Ian Matthews, her grandchild Kara Deffebach, her grandchild Jennifer Cawelti, her grandchild Brandon Kamana, her grandchild Robbie Matthews, her grandchild Marcus Matthews, her grandchild Dustin Matthews and her grandchild Taylor Garcia.
Geraldine was preceded in death by her husband Robert Matthews; her father John Lefor and her mother Marie Lefor; her sister Madeline Lefor and her sister Eileen Matthews; her grandchild Casey Tilbury, and her grandchild Raymond Mendoza.
Geraldine also leaves behind 11 great-grandchildren to cherish her memory.
A Memorial Mass for Geraldine will be held Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 929 Harvard Avenue, Clovis, California 93612.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Matthews family.
