Juana Matthews, of Bridge City, Texas joined her Lord in heaven on Friday, April 15, 2022. She was born Oct. 7, 1938 to Newman and Juanita Rhodes and was 83 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Howard Matthews; brother, Cecil Rhodes; and son-in-law, Boo Richard.
She is survived by her three children, Wayne Matthews and wife Lisa; daughters, Lynn Richard and Ann Borque and husband Paul; seven grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren; as well as a sister, Loy Schultz and brother-in-law Ralph; and sister-in-law, Lynn Ann Rhodes.
Juana's life encompassed loving her Lord, being a devoted wife of 61 years to her "Honey", and "Mother" to her three children. She would proudly tell anyone how many "grands" and "greats" she had. She had a servant's heart, loved meeting people, making friends and helping others. She served at First Baptist Church of Bridge City and Parkway Baptist Church in Bronson in children and adults ministries, loved mission work both in North America and Internationally, loved singing in the choirs, and more.
She and Howard enjoyed 22 years of retirement at "The Lake", as all the kids would call the house there on Rayburn. Her other interests and skills included gardening and sharing the produce, making jelly to share, crocheting "booties" for babies of her family and friends, crocheting hats and scarves for military personnel, and praying for and with anyone. By profession she was a teacher of elementary students. Her life was well lived. Her legacy will be strong.
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, April 25, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Bridge City. Officiating will be Reverend Keith Royal. Burial will follow at Orange Forest Lawn Cemetery in Orange.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, April 24, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Bridge City.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to First Baptist Church, 200 W. Roundbunch Rd., Bridge City, TX 77611. Funds will be channeled to missions and scholarships for students.
Condolences
Claybar Funeral Home
April 24, 2022
8 files added to the album LifeTributes
Janette Martin
April 22, 2022
We will miss Juana’s visit at the lake she was a blessing to know her. Our granddaughters remember her from VBS. Butch & Janette Martin at the Lake
Janice Heger
April 22, 2022
Aunt Juana V, as I grew up calling her, was always crocheting--intricate stitches of wisdom, knowledge and humor--into every life she touched. Her crafting in lives was intricate and delicate in its balance of love, humor and kind encouragement. She blended her faithful presence with Biblical truthfulness and spiritual warmth. Aunt Juana V was brilliant in mind and soft in approach, tender in mercy and joyful in nature. Her love of Christ manifested in decades of service to Him and the spreading of the Gospel to others, both young and old, to family and others. May God deservedly pronounce, "Well done, daughter" as He rewards her with the soul-winner's crown. Well done, Aunt Juana V. Our memories are full and our hearts are lonely for you, but we will rejoice with you at the Gates!
Anonymous
April 22, 2022
Rose Garden Heart was purchased for the family of Juana Matthews.
Claybar Funeral Home
April 22, 2022
102 files added to the album LifeTributes
Clifford Grounds
April 21, 2022
Juana was a Godly woman and always welcomed at our church. She was instrumental in its planting.
Pastor C Grounds
Rayburn Parkway Baptist Church
Jean Barrett
April 20, 2022
She was a beautiful and elegant lady.
Arlene Church
April 19, 2022
I could always count on a hug, words of wisdom and love from Juana, as we volunteered at church. There will now be something missing, my sweet friend, Juana. So sorry for our loss, it will felt for a very long time. To the family, I'm sorry for your great loss. She's volunteering in Heaven now. Arlene