Mildred Matthews

"I waited patiently for my Lord and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry" --Psalms 40:1. A loving wife, sister, aunt, retired educator of the East Feliciana Parish school system and a resident of Clinton, LA, fell asleep peacefully from this earthly life into God's loving arms on Monday, June 11, at her home in Clinton. Mildred was 97 years old and a native of Woodland, LA. She was born on August 13, 1920, to the late Frank and Clara Marshall in Woodland. Mildred earned a Bachelor's degree from Leland College in 1941 and obtained a Master's degree from Southeastern University in Hammond, LA. Mildred was united in holy matrimony to Junuis Matthews and they were married for over fifty years. She was the love of his life and the lovebirds traveled the world dining, shopping, and visiting family and friends. Mildred enjoyed preparing Sunday and holiday dinners for her family, friends, and acquaintances. Her cornbread dressing, pound cakes, and world famous lemon pies were requested by everyone and she continued to bake any dessert of you choice. Mildred was a loving, caring, and inspiring first-grade teacher for thirty-six years in East Feliciana Parish. Following her retirement from the school system, she continued her passion for education at Dixon Correctional Institute in Jackson, LA. During her tenure at Dixon, Mildred educated three hundred sixty-nine (369) inmates, and each received their GED. Mildred was devoted to serving God and used her talents to serve Christ as Secretary of Hymel Chapel AME for nearly seventy years. She organized programs often composing poems and inspirational speeches for participants at the church. Mildred worked diligently with those individuals to ensure her messages were delivered with enthusiasm and passionate for Christ. At the time of her earthly departure, she had returned to her childhood church home of Mt. Carmel United Methodist and continued to serve the Lord with all her heart. Mildred was a dedicated member of many organizations. She served as Secretary of the Louisiana Retired Teachers Association (LRTA) for many years, as well as the Secretary of the East Feliciana Retired Teachers. Additionally, she was the Secretary of the Rocky Hill Benevolent Society, which extended generosity to many individuals in the community. She leaves to cherish her memories a host of nieces and nephews, including Monica Lynne Bates of Baton Rouge, and a devoted family friend, Laura Spears, numerous relatives, members of the various organizations, and former students. Lastly, her cats (Drew, Brees, etc.) will truly miss the loving care she provided to them. Visitation will be held from 11:00 until the service time at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 16, at Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church with Reverend Clark L. Clark officiating the services. Entombment at Heavenly Gates Mausoleum Complex, 10633 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA. Services entrusted to Richardson Funeral Home, Clinton, LA.