Lonnie Matthews

Lonnie Matthews was born June 16, 1940, to loving parents, Charlie and Ethel Matthews. He spent his formative years in Fort Pierce, Florida and moved to Jamaica, New York to enjoy life with uncles L.C and Wesley (Jr) Carter and a host of cousins. There he experienced the bright lights of city life. In 1962, he married the love of his life, Frankie Boynton. Through that union they created a family of one girl and two boys. Frankie's family embraced Lonnie as their brother with loving arms throughout his life. His children became his reason for living. Throughout the years he performed duties for Queensboro Paper Company from which he later retired. His passion and much enjoyed employment thereafter was bar tending at a local community bar. There he created an all new family of those whom he loved, honored, and protected for many years. However, he eventually determined that he really missed his family and decided to move back home to conclude his retirement. The family was so eager to have time with him. So much so, that visiting his home was one of our favorite things to do. He created so many memorable and laughable moments. Just the mention of his name made you smile in preparation to laugh. Even his grumpiness was laughable. His laugh was infectious. His much cherished relationship with his sisters whom he adored was fun loving, respectful, and prideful. All of which was mutual.
Amongst many things that he enjoyed fishing, playing cards, watching westerns & tennis, and receiving his daily visits from Ralph the raccoon topped the list. His relationship with his brothers Leroy and Marion (Tarzan) was that part of life that made his day. The love they shared was matchless and evident. There wasn't anything that Lonnie wanted or needed that they wouldn't make happen expediently. Lonnie once said, "I most enjoy living right next door to my brother, Leroy.
On Sunday, November 3, 2024 Lonnie was called to his heavenly home. He was preceded in death by his father, Charlie Broward Matthews; Mother, Ethel Mae Matthews; son, Lonnie "Kenny" Matthews; sister, Joyce Delois Bruce; two brothers, Hosie Matthews and Sherman Matthews.
Those left to cherish his memories are his daughter, Gwendolyn Matthews; son, Richard Matthews (Simone); 5 grandchildren, Javaughn Matthews (Pamela), Kenisha Lawrence (Antoine), Brittney Matthews, Ravea Lythcott, and Renee Rodriguez; 9 great grandchildren, Lea, Lori, Ahmir, Kali, Tru, JP, Julio, Josh and Omar; brothers, Leroy Matthews (Cynthia), Marion Matthews (Jackie); sisters, Gwendolyn Morris, Sandra Cain, Pearl Liverpool (Clarence), Cheryl Handy, and Dena Matthews; and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins.