Ann Ruth Matthews' Obituary
Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 5, 2009 at Medical City Hospital in Dallas, Texas. She was born in Montgomery, Alabama on October 13, 1932, the daughter of Maurice Hall and Clematine Elizabeth Watkins Hall. She is a graduate of St. Jude’s Catholic School in Montgomery, Alabama. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tuskegee University majoring in Elementary Education. Having also attended Puget Sound University, Pacific Lutheran University where she studied Education Administration, Washington State University; Speech Defects In Children and studied Business Law. While teaching elementary education there were many uses for art of every kind and description. Art was her passion and gift that she enjoyed sharing with others throughout her astonishing life. Her art works have been exhibited in San Jose & San Diego, CA, Seattle & Tacoma, WA, Huntsville, Decatur, & Tuskegee, AL, Aurora, CO, Odenton & Ft. Washington, MD. Other venues include The Department of Education-Office of Civil Rights, K-Bell Building Dallas, Texas, Munger Avenue Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas, Dallas Independent School District, Dallas, Texas, African-American Museum, Dallas, Texas. She belonged to many organizations where she was actively involved. Tuskegee University Alumni (Dallas)-President, Dallas Royal Arts & Charity Club-President, Phi-Delta-Kappa Sorority, St. Paul the Apostle Women’s Guild, Bishop Lynch Band Supporter, Boy Scouts of America-Assistant Scoutmaster & Den Mother. She has participated and volunteered with a heartfelt compassion for many other organizations. Ann is survived by her loving, devoted husband Leonard W. Matthews. She was the proud mother of two wonderful sons Wendell L. Matthews of Garland, Texas and Durlin H. Matthews of Richardson, Texas. A caring, respectful grandson Patrick R. Jensen of Moore, Oklahoma and many loving brothers, sisters, step-children, nieces, nephews, family members as well as close friends. She truly possessed the spirit of love, joy, kindness, patience, dedication, and perseverance. We will always treasure her strength that was such an inspiration to others. She will be greatly missed. Visitation will be from 7:00-9:00pm, Thursday, January 8, 2009 at Restland Memorial Chapel, with rosary at 7:30pm. Service will be held at 11:00AM, Friday, January 9, 2009 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
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