No services are scheduled at this time but may be scheduled at a later date.
Lori was born on April 21, 1959 in Denver, Colorado to James Leroy and Jean Francis (Hartlett) Matthews. A free spirit, Lori loved life and lived it to the fullest. She lived hard, played hard, and loved hard to her core. She had a trusting soul, to a fault, was selfless and would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it. She often took in stray kids, being a mom to them and provided a home and guidance when needed, and was known to give anything she could (even a home) to anyone who needed help.
Lori was very well read, and was a college graduate. She was funny, and loved to laugh her beautiful laugh as often as she could. She was an animal lover and a cat collector. Joyce and Lori were often known to sing together, and loved to make fun of the oldies as they would sing them together with the kids. A world traveler, she had been to Okinawa, Hawaii, Australia, Alaska – every continent except Antarctica – travelling through her partner in life and love, Joyce. She had a gift to be able to empathize and talk, and would listen to anyone that needed an ear, and tried to help them any way she could. In doing so, she often made the listener want to be the best they could be.
Lori persevered many difficult times where most people would just give up. She was fierce, strong, loving, kind, and had a heart as huge as Texas. Many years ago, she changed her life with sobriety, and it made her a better person. A mother through and through, she may have only given birth to four children, but she raised dozens more. An amazing mom, loving mother, grannie and nana, her passing was a surprise and a heartbreak to Joyce, her children, family and friends. To all who knew her, she will be deeply missed.
Lori was preceded in death by her parents, former husband Larry, daughter Tia Marie Matthews, and a sister who died in infancy Staci Eileen.
Survivors include her spouse, Joyce Longenett; two sons, Jamie Matthews and fiancé Brandy, and Morgan Matthews and fiancé Zoe; daughter, Victoria “Tori” Matthews; brother, Douglas Matthews; two sisters, Rhonda Matthews and Dorothy Matthews; four grandchildren, Leora Matthews, Landon Matthews, Christopher Matthews and James Matthews; aunt, Carole Davies; uncle, Richard Hartlett and wife Paulette; Godsons, David Pape and Luis Martinez; best ally, Klint Kreizenbeck; Grand Sponsor, Glenda Riley; and numerous extended family, “adopted” kids, and friends.
The family suggests memorials be sent to the Salvation Army or to the Noah Project, 5802 Texas Avenue, Abilene, TX 79605.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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