September 6, 1918-M a y 1,2010 Thursday, May 6, 2010 11:00 AM Williams Memorial C.M.E. Church 1630 15th Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901 Rev. Dr. Paul W. Gardner, Sr., Pastor INTERNMENT Mount Olive Memorial Gardens 3666 Deans Bridge Road, Hephzibah, Georgia 30815 Mrs. Thelma Teresa Elim Matthews, 91, was called home to eternal rest on May 1, 2010. She was a devoted and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and businesswoman. Born on September 6, 1918 in Augusta, Georgia, she was the eldest of two children born to the late Christopher Elim, Sr. and Cora Elizabeth Giles Elim. Mrs. Matthews attended Bethlehem Community Center, Gwinnett Street and Steed Street Schools before graduating in 1936 from Paine High School (later Paine College). As a youth, she attended Saint Paul Baptist Church on Telfair Street where her grandfather, Reverend John Giles, was pastor. At the age of 12, she was baptized at Gospel Waterbranch Baptist Church in Martinez, Georgia. In the early 1940s, friend Naomi Lawrence introduced her to Elmer Lee Matthews, a native of Philadelphia, PA, who was enlisted in the Army and stationed at Camp Gordon (now Fort Gordon). They were married on November 28, 1944 and shared their lives together for nearly 33 years until his untimely death in June 1977. To this union three children were bom. After several years in Philadelphia, she and her family returned to the Sunset area in Augusta. She joined her father in operating a local business he founded, Nearby Grocery on Tutt Avenue, and became affectionately known as "Miss Chris". She also started attending Williams Memorial C.M.E Church, where she served as a member of the Senior Choir and Estella Jackson Missionary Circle. In 1999, Williams Memorial recognized her for being a member for more than 50 years. An avid singer, Mrs. Matthews was very active with the Paine College Concert Choir and Augusta Chorale as a soprano for many years. She also enjoyed playing classical piano, traveling, gardening, and sharing stories about raising her children. She was fond of saying, "I had fun raising my children!" Surviving are her son, Gregory A. Matthews of the home; daughters Doris M. Spells (John) of Columbia, SC and Carmen E. Matthews of Augusta; three grandchildren, Amy M. Williams (Revi) of Decatur, GA; Tanya Y. Spells of Atlanta, GA; and Monica N. Spells of Columbia, SC; one great-granddaughter, Eliana H. Williams of Decatur, GA; brother, Christopher Elim, Jr. (Edith) of Augusta; nephew, Reginald C. Elim (Pamela) of Riverdale, GA; cousins, Louise A. Blake of Montclair, CA; Harvey Dean Vincent (Doris) of Fayetteville, NC; and Willie Elim, Pauline E. Young, and Mary Alice B. Brown of Augusta; and a host of other relatives and friends. P R E L U D E ......................................................................................... PROCESSIONAL "How Great Thou Art" *HYMN OF PRAISE "Blessed Assurance" ............................. IN V O C A T IO N ................................................................................. SCRIPTURES Old Testament Lesson "Psalm 121" ......................................... New Testament Lesson "Revelations 7:9-10, 15-17" ............... D U E T .................................................................................................. REMARKS Clergy........................................................................................... C h u r c h ......................................................................................... Family............................................................................................ SOLO .................................................................................................. S E R M O N ......................................................................................... RECESSIONAL "Amazing Grace" ........................................... INTERNMENT Mount Olive Memorial Gardens REPAST Williams Memorial C.M.E, Church Fellowship Hall *All stand with the exception o ffamily members. em cee Ms. Christine Crockett Williams Memorial Choir Reverend Gene R. Dean Bishop Walter Cannon Reverend Brother Henry Fulmer Mrs. Martha Lewis Clayton Mrs. Rebecca Lewis Williams Reverend Larry Fryer Mrs. IShirley Darby Deacon Harvey Dean Vincent Mrs. Rebecca Lewis Williams Reverend Dr. Paul W. Gardner, Sr. Ms. Christine Crockett l / j U-Ix,^ 'ctaem ent6 Pallbearers and Floral Bearers Relatives, Church Members, and Neighbors Participating Ministers Reverend Dr. Paul W. Gardner, Sr., Williams Memorial C.M.E. Church, Augusta, GA Reverend Gene R. Dean, Saint Paul C.M.E. Church, Sparta, GA Reverend Brother Henry Fulmer, Saint Martin de Porres Catholic Church, Columbia, SC Bishop Walter Cannon, Cathedral of the Holy Spirit at Living Word Christian Center, Augusta, GA Music Coordinator Ms. Christine Crockett, Senior Musician & Choir Director, Williams Memorial C.M.E. Church The family greatly appreciates all acts of kindness extended during our loved one's illness and passing. The love shown by each of you helps to lighten our sorrow and lift us during this transitional period. Each thought, word, and deed will long be remembered and cherished. Sincere gratitude to her loving and dedicated caregivers: Minister Yvonne Grant, Elder Gloria Wesby, Ms. Leona Lamb, Dr. Audrey Henderson, and Heartland Hospice Services of Augusta. Much appreciation to Ms. Annette Simmons, a loyal friend to the family. A special thanks to the relatives who designed this program. Williams Funeral Home of Augusta, Inc. 1765 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard Augusta, Georgia 30901 706-722-5551 Mrs. Thelma Teresa Elim Matthews September 6, 1918-M a y 1, 2010 Thursday, May 6, 2010 11:00 AM Williams Memorial C.M.E. Church 1630 15th Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901 Rev. Dr. Paul W. Gardner, Sr., Pastor INTERNMENT Mount Olive Memorial Gardens 3666 Deans Bridge Road, Hephzibah, Georgia 30815