I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course. I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day….                          –II Timothy 4: 7-8

Life Reflections

Gilbert Garfield Matthews Jr., beloved son of the late Gilbert Sr. and Daisy Matthews, was born on July 23, 1933 in Dorsey, Maryland. He transitioned from labor to reward into eternity with his heavenly Father on Wednesday evening November 16, 2016, in the comfort of his own home surrounded by his famil

During his childhood, Gilbert was given the nicknames "Butch" and "Sonny" which his family and close friends affectionally called him. He was educated at Harman's Elementary and Wiley H. Bates High School in Anne Arundel County.

Gilbert was raised in a Christian home; Gilbert was a lifelong attendee of St. Mark United Methodist Church until his health began to decline, but when he was unable to attend church he would listen to his favorite gospel station Heaven 600. He especially enjoyed the songs- Get On Board, Old Rugged Cross, Rough Side of the Mountain, and One Day at a Time, just to name few.

Gilbert was a hard worker. He was employed at the Exxon Gas Station and also with the Anne Arundel County Board of Education where he served at various schools including: Arundel Middle and Junior High, and Harman's Elementary School as a Chief Custodian for 31 years. He was a dedicated worker and received many awards and certificates for his outstanding service. While working at Harman's, Mr. Matthews always had a special relationship with the students and staff; whenever students would get in trouble or out of line, he would pull them to the side and talk to them and sometimes as their punishment, he would have them assist him with cleaning the cafeteria. The students and parents appreciated him keeping them out of trouble and as they grew older and saw him in the community, they would acknowledge him and express their gratitude for his intentional interventions

Gilbert was united in holy matrimony to O'Nina Davis on February 17, 1972. From this union they shared three children: Ilona, Joseph, and Aisha.

Gilbert led a very active life as a sports enthusiast and athlete. He loved and played baseball for the Dorsey All-Stars as an outfielder and 3 ^rd baseman. The opposing teams knew to "back-up" when Sonny came up to bat. He also loved cooking for his family and friends. His two favorite hobbies were fixing cars and farming with his late Uncle's Sterling, Russell, and Edward Long.

A loving father, a devoted friend, and a wonderful husband, Gilbert was truly a family man. He loved his family and friends unconditionally. His infectious personality touched an overwhelming number of friends and co-workers, who will miss his loving ways, jovial demeanor and warm smile. His legacy of love will forever remain in our hearts.

After his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his close friends at the Retirement Lodge- "McDonalds" in Severn. In addition, he loved sitting outside with his family pet, Princess.

Preceding him in death are his parents Gilbert Sr. and Daisy Matthews, sisters Ruth Parker and Shirley Matthews, son Joseph Burgess, and nieces Pamela Parker and Shenice Eldridge.

Gilbert leaves to cherish his loving memories, his loving devoted wife of 44 years O'Nina, loving daughters: Ilona (Donald) and Aisha (Brian); Nieces: Helen "Judy", Dale (Widmark), Zelda, Karen, Narone, Sharrone (Lindy), and Donna; Nephews: William Jr. "Bean" (Denise), Curtis (Carolyn), Steven (Juanita), Marlin (Christel) Darren, Carlos, Coleman Jr. (Regina); Eight Grandchildren: Monique, Jowain, Derrick Jr.,  Donald Jr., Gilbert, Jamal, Ashley and Aiden and 11 great-grandchildren; one Aunt: Evangelist Ella Long, a special daughter Patricia Simms; host of cousins, other relatives, friends and Close Relatives: Wilson and Emma Hebron, Louis Matthews, Eugene "Gene" Dailey, Jack Dailey, and Sterling Dailey; Special Friends: Donald and Mary Kess, Joe and Theresa Oden Sr., Earl and Katherine Potts Sr., Shirley Butler, and Patricia Johnson.