Howard Ashley Matthews

During this silence time, peace and graceful prayers, to Our family, precious lord take thy in time of grieving and sorrow, take thee to a peaceful place to rest and yearn the power of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit ... with love Ms.Shaunterria Alston,Hickman,Roberson Family

Peggy and Family, We were unable to attend Howard's service. However, we did see his service on live screen. All the tributes were beautiful. We understand that the hole Howard has left behind in your life can never be filled, and we just wanted to send our condolences. Try to remember all the years of those good memories you have of him. They can never be taken away from you. Know you are in our prayers. Riverdale Strong! The Hicks and Gibbs Families

Lord I had just seen him on the bike a week before inside hello cuz he said hey gurl.sped up inside looking like crook he lol.i miss u Matthew's downtown neva be the same..my Deepest sympathy goes out totally my cousins that was part of Howard he had lots of friends that love him he didn't meet no strangers. He in a place now resting in peace I love u cuz..

Our Sincere Condolences to the Matthews Family. Howard was always a nice guy to be around. Sending lots of love and hugs. God Bless.

To my 1st cousin, Howard Mathew's I've always loved you, the Borden family and the Mathews family knows that God has a place for you in his kingdom. Rest in peace cuz

To the Matthews family, Ashland crushed as I was to hear of Howard's passing, I can only imagine you were even more so. Peggy, we only met a few times when Howard was setting up his RV at your place. He introduced me to you as "my best friend, Kim" which I knew was neither the truth nor a lie because Howard's had many "best friends" as evidenced by the outpouring of love both here and on Facebook. Ashley, we never had the chance to meet, but your dad spoke of you often and his love for you was evident. I first met Howard at an open mic that started in a coffee shop downtown and eventually moved to the basement of Broad Street Christian Church, but it was on his bench at Baker's Kitchen that we became real friends. Howard had a way of putting people at ease with his genuineness. Our conversations flowed back and forth readily between music, his Panthers, my Ravens, and our Lord... not necessarily in that order. I'll miss him greatly and will be praying for his family.

He was one of my husband friend an music man with the zodiac band here in New Bern love u Howard prayers an sympathy to your love ones

On behalf of the Johnson family, Peggy, we're so sorry to hear of Howard's passing. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I loved hearing Howard sing and play. He made an impact in the lives of many and will be missed dearly. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold forever in your heart. May God continue to strengthen and comfort you during this difficult time. Elder Marilyn C. Johnson

Broken and hurt by your passing, we will never forget you. How you hammered on the piano at Riverdale for us @ GCCOCDOC. Mistro, we lovingly called you. Sing and play in the heavenly choir now howard until we meet again. We will see you in the morning.

My heartfelt condolences to Mr. Howard's family. My granddaughter Hadley and I will miss him. He was wonderful man with a gentle soul. Fly high Mr. Howard.

To: Peggy & Family - - Offering, Our sincerest condolences with God's Blessings. Love Y'all Much, Barbara Hawkins Perry, Donnica & D'Onnica Perry !!!

During Covid, Mr Matthews and I became friends. He would sit on the bench in front of Baker's Kitchen playing to virtually no one and it didn't matter as he loved it so much. It was so quiet downtown and I could hear him from my office almost a block away and it brought me great comfort. He knew "I'll Fly Away" was one of my favorite songs so as soon as he saw me coming down the street, he would start playing and singing it. My Friend, I know Jesus and heaven are rejoicing with your beautiful voice as part of their choir now. Thank you for your friendship.

Brother Howard we will miss you down here. You brought smiles and joy to everyone who was blessed to see and meet you. I will dearly miss you and singing Neil Young's "Heart Of Gold" with you....you certainly had one. Now you're walking Streets of Gold! See you over yonder dear Brother In The Lord. Roy and Kim Glover

Goodbye my friend and bandmate. There can be no 'Broken Bench Trio' without you, and I will always remember your line, "...and if you try sometime, you just might might find, that you ALREADY GOT what you need".

A Tribute to a Life That Still Sings Some people are gifted. Some people are generous. And then there are the rare souls who give their gifts away so freely that they become part of the heartbeat of a community. Howard "Matt Cat"- "The Music Man" Ashley Matthews, was one of those rare souls. He crossed every genre of music not because he was trying to prove anything, but because music, to him, had no walls. Gospel, jazz, classical, blues, soul, or something entirely his own—whatever he touched became an invitation. An invitation to listen more closely. To feel more deeply. To belong. As our Minister of Music, at the Mt. Olive AME Zion Church, New Bern, North Carolina, he did far more than direct choirs or play notes on a page. He translated faith into sound. He taught us how joy could shout, how sorrow could pray, and how hope could linger in a single chord. He reminded us that worship was not about perfection—it was about presence. But what made Howard truly unforgettable was not just what he played, but how he lived. He was everybody's friend. Not in a casual way, but in a real way—the kind of friend who made time, who listened, who showed up. The kind who treated people the same whether they stood in the spotlight or in the shadows. He carried himself with humility, warmth, and an ease that made you feel like you mattered. Case in point, every time Val and I showed up at the Baker's Kitchen on Middle Street, Howard was taking time to show somebody, child or adult, the chords and notes on the guitar. The man was a musical icon who did not mind sharing his God -given talents with others. And so, today, New Bern is filled with stories, and that is fitting. Because his life was a shared experience. No single tribute can say everything he meant to us—and perhaps that is the greatest testimony of all. Though his hands are now still, his music is not. It lives in our sanctuaries, in our memories, in the lives he helped shape, and in the countless ways he taught us to listen—to God, to one another, and to the better angels of ourselves. Well done, good and faithful servant. Your song continues. Reverend Timothy R. Jackson Sr. And the Mt. Olive AME Zion Church

Peggy I am so sorry for your loss. Will be praying and thinking of you. Aunt Jane and Family

I've shared many of memories on this platform, this one is the most difficult one that I have shared, Howard was a God loving person, the music he shared came from the love of God he had in heart, Howard showed that through his music, so like John the Baptist when he spoke the word of God people gathered around him to listen, so Howard had this same affect on people when he played his music people gathered, smiles and laughter came upon the people when you was in his presence, Now he's needed home to spread that same joy in God kingdom where their are many Mansions that was prepared for us...so let not your heart be in sorrow because Howard is at peace, say hallelujah because Jesus came to get one of his son's that worship him, Amen and Amen. Willie, Marion, Jeffrey, Larry and Russell,

To the Matthews Family, My deepest condolences on the passing of Mr. Howard Matthews. Downtown New Bern will never be the same without him. I always looked forward to going downtown just to hear him sing and play his guitar. His amazing voice lit up the streets and brought joy to everyone who passed by. Mr. Howard never met a stranger—he was loved by so many in New Bern, and he will truly be missed. His presence made our community brighter, and his memory will continue to inspire us all. Rest in peace, Mr. Howard Matthews. May you sing and play your guitar in heaven, just as you did so beautifully here with us.

Sitting in Bear Park, smoking my cigar and listening to your songs - and your laughter and chatter with passing friends was the highlight of my mornings. Mornings will never be the same without you, Howard.

Howard was a man of amazing love and acceptance. I am firmly convinced that he never met a stranger. Everyone that he met was instantly a part of his family. Howard befriended my 22 year old son who is IDD. Noah and Howard were like 2 brothers long lost instantly, to the point that while performing on stage at Mum Fest, he stopped singing mid song to holler to Noah as we came into sight.

Howard and I would discuss God and His Word at every chance.

My dear brother, I love you and will miss you. When the Lord calls me home, I expect to see you welcoming me home as I compete my race.

My sincere Condolences and prayers to the Family and Friends I will miss my singing Friend.Howard will always be in my heart. Howard was the Best Base player in the world now he's in Heaven playing that Base guitar RIP my Friend 🙏🏾🙏🏾

Howard was a classmate of mine. We wouldn't have seen each other in years, but we would be like it was just yesterday we talked or seen each other. RIP my brother and make that beautiful sound in the sky. 🙏

Howard was a classmate of mine. We wouldn't have seen each other in years, but we would be like it was just yesterday we talked or seen each other. RIP my brother and make that beautiful sound in the sky. 🙏

Thank you for blessing so many people with your music and your kind soul. Everyone loved you and you will be greatly missed. I know you are enjoying Heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Thank you for blessing so many people with your music and your kind soul. Everyone loved you and you will be greatly missed. I know you are enjoying Heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

My condolences to the Matthews family and all that knew Mr. Howard. May God grant you comfort and forever be in your life.

Such a loss for New Bern and the Matthews family, but may we all be comforted with the knowledge that Howard is with the Father and his beloved family who went before. Like everyone else, we will surely miss his kind friendship, humor, and unforgettable music, but we will also miss those long conversations about life and the importance of approaching it with joy, gratitude, and love. Howard's last words to us Wednesday night were "I love you guys," and we loved him too. He reminded all of us to stop and listen to the music in life. Rest in peace, dear brother, and we'll catch up with you on the other side.

Matthews Family, It is really hard to believe that our friend and adopted family member is gone. Your father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend was a great soul. He knew so much about all sorts of things, and he openly and freely shared them wherever and with whomever he came in contact. I often listened and was educated as we took our ride to church every other week. He was more than our musician; he helped when asked if it was in his capabilities and never complained. The last time I dropped him off, he said thank you and his usual " Ok, see you guys' next time". This last time was a pleasant experience as was so many of our bi-weekly trips, and we are so sorry it was our last. Condolences to each of you, Howard "Mayor of Riverdale" will truly be missed!

We came to New Bern for an event last weekend and it was an honor to hear him play.

My condolences to the Great Music Man. We will surely mis him. RIP. God Bless you and yours.

My sincere condolences to the family of Howard. He made the City proud by sharing his talents with his music and touched so many lives. May he RIP!

No words can express the sorrow I feel about Howard's passing. As a musician myself, I was awed by his encyclopedia like knowledge of songs and music in general. Always had a ready smile, laugh, and and a hearty "Jon Boy!" whenever he saw me. I was honored to be his friend my deepest condolences to the family of this wonderful man.

We will miss our friend. He was a very special person.

May all the stories and love shown for this beautiful man bring comfort to Howard's loved ones. He will surely be missed.

My condolences to the family. Great musician

Mr. Howard was a rare beautiful soul!! Always ready to share a smile, say hello, welcome passers-by to sing along. When my husband and I moved to New Bern in January of 2018, one of our favorite things about our new small town was how welcoming the downtown community was to us. Mr. Howard Matthew's was part of that for sure. A staple on the Bakers Kitchen bench. We feel very privileged to have called him a friend. May his family find peace in their memories as well as all the beautiful sentiments and memories posted on social media as well as here. May Howard rest in eternal peace.

You entertained us, you made us smile, you made us laugh, and even made us sing along, usually off-key. Middle Street will not be the same without you, Howard. That last day with you will forever be one of those days when, "I remember when..." You have no worries now, old friend.

Thank you for being my friend. I will never forget how you made me feel. RIP💙💐

Me and husband always loved listening to him sing and play his guitar. We are going to miss him so much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who knew him.

I always enjoyed listening to him play! Really going to miss him. My thoughts and prayers to his family

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.