Frances A. Matthews

Frances Adeline (Perry) Matthews, aged 77, of Newport, RI, passed away on December 10, 2024, at Newport Hospital following a prolonged illness, surrounded by her family.

She was born on December 12, 1946, in Wareham, MA, to the late Mary F. Walker and Antone B. Perry. She was also the daughter of the late Louis Walker Jr. from Newport, RI.

She is survived by her two children: Regina M. Williford of Middletown, RI and Thomas H. Matthews of Newport, RI; five grandchildren: Dr. Desireé (Stephen) Williford-Hunt of Cincinnati, OH, Kayla (Josh) Soares of Middletown, RI, Thomas Wilson of Newport, RI, Devin Wilson of Warwick, RI, Jamel (Donisha) Miles of Clarksville, TN; and five great-grandchildren: Jeremiah Williford, Ana Soares, Josiah Soares, Elizah Wilson, and Zion Wilson. She is also survived by her siblings: Carol A. Walker of Newport, RI, Louis (Elaine) Walker III of Portsmouth, RI, Adelina Perry of New Bedford, MA, Preston Perry of Fall River, MA, Aaron Perry of Deltona, FL, Bruce Fortes of Atlanta, GA, and Gigi Anacleto of Tampa, FL as well as her niece and nephews: Christian Walker, Justin Walker, Kristin Walker, Duane Marshall, Chantel Janeiro, Quin Perry, Preston (P.J.) Perry, Gianna Perry, Aaron Perry, Michael Perry, Lee-Alysse Perry, Katherine Rivera, Lucinda Fasano, Daniel Rivera, Kimberly Perry, Alexia Perry, Damian Perry, and a host of relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Joaquin and Anthony Perry.

Frances was a skilled violinist and received advanced lessons from Charles Budiesh. At Rogers High School, she earned a spot in the All-State Orchestra all four years, participated in the chorus, and graduated with the Class of 1964 at the age of 16. She studied Tap, Jazz, and Modern Dance at Gladding Dance Studio. Known for her vibrant personality and strong work ethic, she had many friends.

She was employed at the Newport Electrical Company before transitioning to Raytheon, where she began in the Blueprint department and advanced to the role of Executive Secretary for the Finances department. Later, she started her own cleaning business, A Frantastic Cleaning Service.

Later in life Frances was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on June 30, 2012. She never held back from sharing an encouraging word from the bible with her family, friends, and neighbors. She was a loyal member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses and fiercely committed to her family and loved ones. She is cherished and remembered by all her family, friends, colleagues and clients. A team player, she excelled in everything she undertook, and her loving spirit never turned anyone away. Her cooking and her lively personality will be greatly missed. Coincidentally, she shared a birthday with Frank Sinatra, and she certainly lived her life "My Way."

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Monday December 16, 2024, 7:00PM at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses located at 36 Hillside Ave, Newport, RI.