Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free, I'm following the path Jehovah laid for me. I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all.
Mary Matthews age 95 of Macon, North Carolina departed this life on Wednesday, July 16,2025 at her residence.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 26,2025 at 1:00pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses 876 US Highway 158 Bus E, Warrenton, North Carolina.
She leaves to cherish her memory four daughters, Mary Senior of Baltimore, Maryland, Betsy Mason of Macon, North Carolina, Evelyn (Gary) Meadows of North Augusta, South Carolina; and Monica Bates of Ypsilanti, Michigan; one son, Gregory (Sherie) Bates of Baltimore, Maryland; and daughter-in-law, Barbara (Barry) Bates of Las Vegas, Nevada; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Catherine Sheppard of Augusta, Georgia; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Professional services entrusted to Boyd & Royster Funeral Services.
Send flowers to the service of Mary Matthews
All of us at Warrenton Animal Clinic were deeply saddened to hear of Mary's passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you, and we hope that the memories you hold close will bring you comfort and peace.
To the beloved family of our dear Sister Mary Matthews,
Though our hearts ache at the loss of such a faithful and enduring servant of Jehovah, we take comfort in the knowledge that "the God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3) draws especially close during moments like these. Sister Matthews lived a long life—95 years!—marked by devotion, family, and faith. What a rich legacy she leaves behind, not only in her children and grandchildren, but in the spiritual example she modeled for all who knew her.
Jehovah treasures ones like Sister Matthews—those who "walk humbly" with Him through the decades (Micah 6:8). While her absence leaves a void, we are deeply comforted knowing that she is safely in Jehovah's memory, awaiting the joyful call when "all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out" (John 5:28, 29). How comforting to know that her rest is temporary—and the next sound she will hear will be that of Jesus' life-giving voice.
To the family: please know that your grief is shared by your spiritual brothers and sisters near and far. You are not alone. May you be strengthened in the days ahead by Jehovah's spirit and the hope that never fades: "He will swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces" (Isaiah 25:8).
With all of our love, prayers, and hope in the resurrection,
The Guillory Family Honolulu, HI
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.