Selah Naomi Mathew

Selah Naomi Mathew, age 15, of Parkland Florida went to be with the Lord suddenly on Friday, March 29, 2024. She was born on August 7, 2008 to Jason and Smitha (Cherian) Mathew in Coral Springs, Florida. Selah was the oldest sister to her three siblings Caris, Rhema and Luke.

Selah was the sweetest and most loving baby anyone could ever ask for. A keen observer and a fast learner, she was reading fluently by the age of two. As a kindergartener, she could recite the first and last name, in alphabetical order, of her 20 classmates. She was reading at a 4th grade level during her 1st grade accelerated Reading Star test. Her exceptional photographic memory and auditory skills helped her to excel in academics as she participated in Spelling Bee competitions, Math Olympics and Robotics in elementary school.

Currently, as a Sophomore at Calvary Christian Academy, she pursued rigorous academics with AP and Honors classes, while developing her love of dance. She was a beautiful and elegant ballet dancer from childhood and used her abilities to teach dance, and minister to young children, teaching them how to love and honor Jesus with their gifts and talents. She performed with the dance team during concerts and in dance showcases during high school.

Selah possessed great leadership skills which she used in her role as the assistant stage manager for theater productions. She was a nominee for the National Honor Society. She tutored students in math and other subjects. She was always a diligent and hardworking young woman who performed gracefully under pressure.

Selah was a leader in the Peer Active Listeners (PAL) mentorship program where she mentored younger students, helping them adjust to middle school life. Her interest in a career in Law led her to get involved with the Mock Trial competition, and she was in the process of applying for an internship with the Public Defender’s Office. She had the favor of the Lord to excel in whatever she did.

Selah’s God-given gift of friendship enabled her to make time to keep in touch with old and new friends alike. She cherished family get-togethers and had a deep love for family. She was excellent at making conversation with just about anyone, young or old. She had a kind, quiet confidence about her. Her classmates and her church family loved her dearly, and every circle was brighter if she was in it.

Faith was very important to Selah. Her life was centered around Christ and reflected His love to the world around her. Not only did she accept Jesus as her personal Savior at a young age, she also publicly professed her faith with water baptism on February 10, 2024. She never wanted to miss church. She served in the church youth groups, assisted in Sunday school, and worshiped on the Calvary Kids Worship Team. She also led Bible study for her three siblings at home during evening devotions. Her desire was for them to excel in every opportunity. Her sisters and brother will dearly miss their precious big sister, mentor and friend. She will also be missed by her grandparents (Cherian Varghese and Valsa Cherian, and Neithy Mathew), her uncles, aunts and cousins.

Our beautiful sweet Selah has entered the City that is without any night to be with Him who is our Light. She is beloved forever as a daughter, sister, a granddaughter, a niece, a cousin and friend. We will deeply miss our precious daughter as we wait until we meet her on the other shore.

We thank God for the gift of her life and the joy she brought to so many.

When you go through deep waters,

I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty,

you will not drown.

When you walk through the fire of oppression,

you will not be burned up;

the flames will not consume you.

(Isaiah 43:2)

A visitation for Selah will be held Friday, April 5, 2024 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, 2401 West Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. A visitation will occur Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 2401 West Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. A funeral service will occur Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 2401 West Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. A committal service will occur Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 200 West Copans Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33064.