Deborah Lynn Matthews (aka Debra, Debbie) age 65 of Elkton, MD made her transition from time to eternity on Thursday, August 5, 2021. Preceded in death by parents Robert and Nona Mae Henderson, brothers Gene and William Jackson, sisters Mary L. Battle and Mattie M. Walker, Father in law, William E. Matthews, son, Anthony L. Matthews and nephew/cousin James L. Boykin Jr.

Debra was born in Gary, Indiana on Christmas Day 1955. The family embraced and considered her the extra amazing and special gift received from God on that Christmas day. She was truly the joy of her family.

Debra professed a hope in Christ at an early age and joined the Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. E.B. Joiner then Rev. Donald L. Parson.

Debra was educated in the Gary Community Educational System, attending Lincoln Elementary School, Beckman Junior High School and graduating in 1974 from Theodore Roosevelt High School.

In 1988 Debra relocated to Elkton MD and worked at Union Hospital, later working at Wal-Mart, where she met the love of her life, William “Tony” Matthews. Soon afterwards wedding bells were ringing and they were joined in holy matrimony, the two became one! Debra told the family that she expressly advised and forewarned Tony that if we do this there will be no divorce. Debra strongly believed in “what God has joined let no man put asunder”. Tony and Debra enjoyed 27 years! Praise God for the blessing.

Debra retired early from Wal-Mart to care for her grandchildren, figuring she could care better for her own children than anyone else. Later she then expanded to opening her own daycare. She was a compassionate, caring and hard worker earning the kids trust and devotion.

Debra continued with daycare work until her health started failing. As Debra’s health failed Tony maximized and became her much needed and relied upon helper, as truly shown in his excellency of care of and for her. Tony showed due diligence and utmost love in sickness and health! The family had no worries as they knew Tony was taking care of her.

Debra enjoyed reading Gods word, playing board games and cooking for her family. We all enjoyed the family gatherings that she was so fond of having.

Debra was an active member of the Life Community Church and taught Sunday School to the little children. She lived for God, husband, family and church family. Debra was an encourager, full of life and a “hugger”. Debra will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Debra is survived by the love of her life, husband, William “Tony” Matthews of Elkton, MD; 3 daughters, April (Adam) Frederick, Rita Bowers (S.O. Allen Reynolds Jr.) and Portia Lee; son, Xavier Lee; 7 grandchildren: Aviar Tatem, Seth and Trey Lee, Myla and Myra Bowers, Aidan Frederick and Benjamin Simms; brother, Robert (Anita) Henderson; sister/nieces, Cynthia (James) Boykin, Monica Henderson; Mother in law, Jean Matthews; sister in laws, Karen Marshall, Valerie and Sylvia Matthews, Maxine Hawkins; brother in law, Nicholas (Linda); cousins, Bernice Braden Cleo States; dear friends: Ruby Spencer, Nichole Strahorn, Lillian Branham, Alice Webb, Phyliss Brown, Denise Starks and a multitude of nephews, nieces and friends.

A Celebration of life Service for all family and friends will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at Life Community Church, 750 Otts Chapel Rd, Newark, DE, with Pastor Larry Redmon officiating.