Willie Matthews

Willie Lee Matthews was born on May 21, 1933 to Marita Brown-Baker and Charlye Griffin in Clinton, Louisiana. The definition of the strongest man on Earth is the man who walks with God. Willie Lee Matthews was one of these men. He was well known for his words of praise, wisdom, and understanding which he acquired from his favorite book of the Bible, Matthew. His favorite scripture came from the book of Proverbs (3:5) "Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not into thy own understanding." He was known to quote this verse regularly. During his teenage years, Willie worked as an apprentice under his Uncle Elcy Brown learning to do landscaping. He eventually opened his own commercial lawn care business at age 20, in the Greater New Orleans area remaining in business for over 50 years and was well known throughout many parishes (counties). His business provided him the means to take care of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Willie loved "being on the outside." He was an avid fisherman. In keeping with his favorite book of Matthew and as authentic follower of Jesus, Willie was also a fisher of men. "And he saith unto them, follow me and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19) If he had to stay on the "inside", you would find him watching Jimmy Swaggart or the animal channel. In 1984 Willie met and fell in love with Carolyn Boyd, "Ann" as he affectionately called her. Early on intheir marriage they both surrendered their lives to Christ. He loved and spoiled his wife Ann for 32 years. He was a deacon and usher at Little Zion Church in Kenner, Louisiana until moving to Kansas City, Missouri in 2014. Willie was a devoted and loving: husband, father, step-father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to all. He touched many lives with his loving and giving spirit. He gently bowed out on December 15, 2016 and transitioned into Glory. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and his sister Thelma Doulgas. He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Carolyn Ann Matthews; three children, Evelyn Danks, Willie Danks, Aundrenette Johnson (Herman); nine step-children, Telitha Wyatt, Carmella Boyd, Traci Eberra, William Boyd, Yvette Holland, Aundre Braumfield, Lester Brown, Alfred Danks, and Arthur Brown. He also, leaves 17 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; his twin sister Mary Sanxton (Franklin), a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.