Sylvester Lee Matthews
1931 - 2022
Sylvester Lee Matthews
1931 - 2022
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Sylvester Matthews Obituary
Sylvester Matthews, 90, passed away on February 25, 2022, in Tyler, TX.
Sylvester was born on May 17, 1931 in Tyler, TX, to Homer and Louise Matthews. He graduated from Tyler High School in 1948, earned an Associates of Arts degree from Tyler Junior College in 1950, and went on to earn a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas in 1953. Soon after, he was called to preach and received a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Temple Baptist Theological Seminary in 1957. He started his ministry as an associate pastor in Akron, Ohio, but spent most of his career as pastor for 37 years at Open Door Baptist Church in Mesquite, TX
Sylvester was best known for his love for people and his genuine desire to share the gospel with everyone he met. He lived what he preached and impacted the lives of so many for Christ. He truly lived a wonderful life.
He also served in the Army National Guard and Army Ready Reserves from 1949 to 1956 and attained the rank of Sergeant. In God's army, his desire was to use his mission house for couple's conferences, and to provide a place of lodging and rest for missionaries.
Sylvester is survived by his children, Steve Keyes (wife Becky), Linda Mattoon (husband Rod), Laurie Campbell (husband Stacy), John Keyes (wife Chris), Steve Matthews (wife Tonya) his grandchildren, Angela Keyes Bolick (husband Michael), Adam Keyes (wife Shanah), Aaron Keyes (wife Megan), Holly Wright (husband Mike), Joshua Mattoon (wife Lindsay), Rashelle Kenny (husband Mike), Katie Hackathorn (husband Charles), Micah Mattoon (wife Grace), Andrea Rick (husband Josh), Autumn Mattoon, Valerie Gray (husband Shawn), Benjiman Webb (wife Lacey), Shelby Deck (husband Zack), Catherine Keyes, Stephen Matthews Jr. (wife Bradi-Kathryn), Jacob Matthews, Moriah Simmons (husband Dalton), Berean Matthews and his 30 great grandchildren.
Sylvester is preceded in death by his loving wife of 40 years, Sybil Matthews, Homer Matthews (father), Louise Matthews (mother), and Lavena Clark (sister).
The service for Bro. Sylvester Matthews will be held on March 4, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Parkside Baptist Church, 1729 Gross Road, Mesquite, TX 75149 with graveside service following
Visitation: March 3, 2022 from 5-7 PM at New Hope Funeral Home, 500 East Hwy 80, Sunnyvale, TX 75182
Burial: New Hope Memorial Gardens, 500 East Hwy 80, Sunnyvale, TX 75182
Sylvester's vision regarding his mission house in Tyler, TX will continue on and because of his great love for missions, we ask that in lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite missionary or mission project.
Jennifer Moss
March 4, 2022
Mr. Matthews was a true angel on earth. I was blessed to care for him and become his friend. He helped me discover that senior care is my true passion and encouraged me to pursue a nursing career. He also helped strengthen my bond with the Lord, for which I am eternally grateful. I will cherish the many memories, lessons and laughs that we shared. He will be deeply missed.
Fredina Guevara
March 2, 2022
My family has known Brother Matthews for way over 40 years. My Mom's best friend lived next door to him in Mesquite on Anita St. That is where is made an impact on my family the first time he witnessed to us. No matter where we may have moved as we grew up, he always would find us and come knock on the door and visit with us and never left without praying for the family. A little over two years ago he spoke at my Mom's funeral and no one could have used better words. And it is because he knew everything about my Mom, as well as everyone in my family. I am 52 and cannot remember a single year without Brother Matthews driving down our street. When my Mom found out she had pancreatic cancer and only a few months to live, she went in her pajamas and a robe to Open Door to find Brother Matthews, he prayed for her and was at my parents house every single day before and during hospice with my Mom. I cannot say enough about the difference he has made in our lives as a child and as an adult. He was always on a mission to find the lost and ask them "are you saved? " If we were not home I will always remember his little pamphlets he would put on the door, (I am sure we still have some of them) Never will there be a greater man than Brother Matthews!!!! I pray that I can make a difference in someones life just as he has. He planted a seed in me and many others, now we must continue to plant that seed in others. Thank you Brother Matthews for everything you have done for my Family and most of all THANK YOU for holding my Mom's hand and praying during her good days as well as her last days on this earth. What a good and faithful servant you were and what a legacy you have left for us.
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Sandy Bro Matthews, Jim & Jimmy Lemmon. 2015
Sandra Lemmon
March 1, 2022
Jim & I met Bro Matthews in the 1960’s . Jim was music director & I was church pianist at Open Door Baptist Church. We kept in touch over the years. A true friendship was formed. We loved Bro Matthews & will miss him. He has reached his final goal HEAVEN.
Jimmy Lemmon
March 1, 2022
I have known Bro . Sylvester since I was a kid . A great testimony for the Lord . My dad ( Jim Lemmon)was song director for Bro Matthews and my mom (Sandy Lemmon)played piano . We were there in Mesquite when they build the church on Beltline Rd as well as a few church buildings before . I remember on a Wednesday night church service during a invitation Bro . Matthews said “ this could be your last chance to get saved and that stuck as conviction of the Holy Spirit .i received Jesus Christ . Remember Bro Matthews using his home as a Sunday School . I think we were there for about five years and enjoyed and saw our church grow under his leadership. Thank God for Pastors like Bro. Matthews and God Bless his sweet Family- Jimmy Lemmon
Ed Arnold
March 1, 2022
Barbara and Joined Open Door back in 1982 and could always count on bro Matthews at anytime for family needs and prayer. He had preached my father and Barbara’s funerals and his message was always clear about salvation and the only way to Heaven . I’m praying for his family and I know his legacy will remain strong . He will be missed- Ed Arnold
Daniel Lau
March 1, 2022
A remarkable man of Christ. His steadfast move to lead others to Christ was so remarkable, loving,Amen. My long time Friend since 1969.
Eddie and Tammie Graham
March 1, 2022
There is not enough space on this to say everything about how Br. Matthews has impacted our family and our lives, if God had not sent us to Open Door Baptist Church, life would be very different. Br. Matthews had a lot of patience with us and our family. He taught us Soul Winning, Biblical principles and our children math which took a lot of prayer sometimes. He is and will be missed greatly. Continued prayers for Linda, Laurie and Steve and all of yalls families. Thank yall for sharing your Dad with ALL of us that he impacted throughout the years, Love yall! -Eddie, Tammie, Bradney, Lyndsey and Ethan Graham
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500 East Hwy 80, Sunnyvale, TX 75182
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