Vera Lillian Matthews

Vera Lillian Matthews, age 98, of Gholson, passed away Saturday morning, May 17, 2008 at her residence. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Gholson Baptist Church, with Rev. Brad Moore and Rev. Marvin Donnell officiating. Burial will follow at Gholson Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Aderhold Funeral Home. Mrs. Matthews was born on February 3, 1910 in Harris County, the daughter of Robert and Margrette (Harwell) Newton. She attended schools in the Houston area and on April 2, 1934, she was united in marriage to Lemuel Ozon "Zeke" Matthews. He preceded her in death on July 20, 1987. Vera was a residential caretaker for veterans for many years in the Gholson area. She also worked as a rancher and homemaker. She enjoyed gardening and was a member of First Baptist Church of Gholson. She is also preceded in death by her parents; a son, Robert Foster Matthews; and a daughter-in-law, Jean Carolyn Allred. Survivors include one son, Kirby Wayne Matthews and wife Glenda of Gholson; one adopted daughter, Betty Campbell and husband Ernie of Topock, AZ; one daughter-in-law, Judy Matthews Lewis of Waco; one niece, Lilly Jean Engleman and husband Walter "Butch" of Gholson; sixteen grandchildren, Nanette Morgan and husband Donnie, Kimberley Chittum, Tonya Montgomery and husband Charlie, Jeff Matthews and wife Karen, Dave Matthews, Debbie Thompson and husband Steve, Lizabeth Wallace and husband Johnny, Sam Matthews and wife Karen, Barbara DeChaume and husband Johnny, Andy Matthews and wife June, Ricky Matthews and wife Jennie Mae, Tom Alford, Carol Jean Shirey, Marlos Fields, Donna Shirey, and Lisa Shirey; many great-grandchildren; many great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Pallbearers will be her great-grandsons. Memorials may be made to the Gholson Cemetery Association or Gholson Baptist Church.