And A Time Heal: After laboring in life’s vineyards, fulfilling her dreams and helping others along the way, this beloved mother, gained her heavenly wings on April 2, 2023, at her home surrounded by family and loved ones. She received her ultimate healing and ceased from pain and suffering as she departed from her journey from labor to reward on peacefully in her home.
A Time to Plant: Ellen planted herself in the church. At an early and youthful age Ellen joined the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Varnado, LA under the leadership of the late Reverend B. B. Moses. After his death, she continued her membership under the late Reverend Dr. A. S. Nelson, SR. She later united with Grace Church of Humble, TX. She was an active part of the Grace Church Kids Ministry. She was truly a dedicated servant of the Most High God. She enjoyed attending worship at her church with her family. She was always willing to serve wherever she was needed.
A Time to Embrace: Ellen embraced her desire for education. She attended Jones Creek Elementary School in Varnado, LA and later graduated from Wesley Ray High School located in Angie, LA in 1968. She also attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA. She reared children who made her proud by also pursuing higher education. A Time to Seek, Over the span of 72 years, Ellen would seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. In doing so she positioned herself to be a positive force in the field of education. She began her work career in at Forest Height Elementary School (East Baton Rouge Parish) and Round Tree Elementary School (Allen ISD). She retired with 27 years of pure dedication to teaching and empowering young bright minds. After retiring, Ellen proudly became the Director of Christian Life Center Daycare Academy in 2003. She worked tirelessly alongside her baby sister Jerry Thompson until entering a second retirement in 2019. Ellen was active in many community and civic organizations including Delta Kappa Gamma, Honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Den Leader Boys Scout of America in Louisiana, Troop Leader Girls Scouts of America in Louisiana, & Creative Memories. She found immense joy in cooking for her family, and had a passion for collecting elephants, & spoiling her grandchildren.
A Time to Keep: Ellen kept her promise of marital bliss for 53 years. She met the love of her life, Richard Matthews, Sr. while attending school at Wesley Ray Elementary School and Southern University. On July 3, 1971, they were united in holy matrimony.
A Time to Love: She leaves to carry on her loving legacy and cherish her memory a loving and devoted husband, Richard Matthews, SR; one daughter, Ellisa Matthews; two sons, Richard (Natasha) Matthews, JR & Brad Matthews, SR; eight grandchildren and one great grandchild; three sisters, Eddie M. Bickham, Louise Smith, and Jerry (Rudolph) Thompson; two brothers, Billy (Renae) Robinson and Charles Robinson; three sisters-in-laws, two brothers-in-laws, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and remarkable friends. Her magnetic personality along with her tenacity and effervescence will leave an everlasting impact on those who knew and loved her.
A Time to Weep: She was preceded in death by her parents, Johnny Robinson, and Nancy Owens; two sisters, Pearlie Dee Boyd, and Annie Lee Lucas; and six brothers, James Curtis Harry, Ezekiel Robinson, Leroy Robinson, Levi Robinson, Johnnie Robinson, and Frankie Robinson.
