Pastor Robert Anthony Matthews

The Life and Legacy Of
Pastor Robert A Matthews
Joy Tabernacle Full Gospel Church
Robert Anthony Matthews was born February 6, 1956, in Ozark, Alabama, to the parents of Aubrey N. Sr. and Addie Ruth (Lassiter) Matthews. He was the fifth child born into this Family. Preceding him in death is his daughter Utishia Deanna Michelle (Matthews) Craige, his parents Aubrey Sr. and Addie Ruth (Lassiter) Matthews, his sister Nora Rebecca Matthews and brother Aubrey N. Matthews Jr.
Robert was a brilliant and intelligent young man. At an early age, he began playing the piano for the youth choir at First Baptist Church in Ozark, Alabama. Later, he played with his sister Nora for the other choirs. He attended D.A. Smith school from first through ninth grade. He also played trumpet in the marching tiger's band at Carrol High School (Ozark, Alabama), where he was a first-chair trumpet player. Upon graduating high school, Robert received the Phillip Susa Award, a scholarship for outstanding band members, in 1974. After graduating high school, Robert attended Troy State University and was the first black band member of the Troy State Trojans marching band. He was the lead trumpet player and played the solo to the song "Precious Lord Take My Hand." He was called to preach at the early age of 19. He was a member of Phi Mu Alpha, where he met the love of his life, Twinetta Carrol Jones, while she was a member in S.A.I, an international female music fraternity.
While in college, in their music theory class, they both sang in the college choir together. On June 11, 1977, Robert and Twinetta were married. They were blessed with their first daughter, Barbra, who was 13 years old, and they had their first-born girl, Utishia (Deanna), a few months later. Years later, they were blessed with two sons, Michael and Kerry, and another daughter, Charity. Robert began his working skills in Troy, Alabama. They later moved to Mobile, Alabama, where he worked various jobs until he was hired at Evonik, formally known as Degussa.
After working there for 33 years, he retired. In 2014, he was called to pastor Joy Tabernacle Full Gospel Church, which Pastor Henry H Jones Jr. founded with his wife, Mother Ola M. Jones, and the entire Joy Tabernacle family. There, he preached and taught and was an excellent musician, playing the piano and organ.
His last message on October 20, 2024, was "Committed to the Faith". He was a humble, kind, and loving person. Heaven rejoiced with us as he poured out his heart in worship through song, which was anointing for those who were there will never forget.
He leaves to cherish his fond memories with his loving, caring, and supportive wife of 47 years, Minister Twinetta Carol Jones Matthews; two sons, Michael Anthony Matthews and Kerry Antonio Matthews; a son in love, Jaroid M. Craige (Portland, Oregon), and two daughters, Barbara M. Stevens (Troy, Alabama) and Charity A. Matthews. 7 Grand Daughters: JaBreea and Jasbrine Wallace, Jayla A., JaLeigha M., Aniya-Naomi, Lily Renee Matthews, and Zarianna Dailey (Jonesboro, Georgia), 3 Grandsons: Kamaron A., Brandon A. Matthews, and Giovanni Matthews-Moore.
Two sisters, Carolyn M. McCary and Ruthie M. Boykin (Ozark, Alabama), two brothers: retired fire chief Dexter J. Matthews (Ozark, Alabama) and David Matthews (Ozark, Alabama), and a host of sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Acknowledgments
The Family wishes to thank everyone for the flowers, cards, resolutions, and all the many acts of condolences.
Special thanks to Pastor David Frazier and the Revelation Missionary Baptist Church, The Joy Tabernacle Full Gospel Family, fellow ministers, co-workers, and the Smalls Mortuary staff for all the love, kindness, and care given to Pastor Robert Anthony Matthews and Family.