Gladys Thompson Matthews

Gladys Ophelia Thompson Matthews was born on March 14, 1937, in Darnell, Louisiana, and passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024, in her home in Haughton, Louisiana at 87 years old. She was the beloved daughter of Otis and Lucile Thompson. Gladys grew up in Darnell and Alsatia, Louisiana, where she worked on the family farm to help make ends meet from a very early age.

On December 23, 1950, Gladys married Willie John Matthews, and they shared 54 wonderful years together. They met in Alsatia, Louisiana, through an introduction from H.A., and were known for their beautiful love story. The story goes a little like this: Gladys became very ill and was unable to work, desperately needing time to rest and get well. Willie John already knew her by this time and saw how sick she was. Her daddy wasn’t going to allow her the time she needed to recover, insisting she continue working. That’s when Willie John affectionately stepped up and volunteered to do her work for her so she could get well. Not long after, he asked for her hand in marriage, and together, they created a beautiful life and raised seven pretty amazing kids: Willie John Jr., Mickal, Daniel, Richard, Leonard, Kevin, and Sarah. She was also blessed with 15 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

Gladys was known for her hospitality, kindness, love for her family, and her cooking. She loved to cook for her family! In her last days, she mentioned multiple times how she wished she could cook for us; it was how she showed her love. If you never had her chicken and dumplings or peanut butter cake, you really missed out!

She often said clever things, phrases that were uniquely hers. Some of the sayings her grandchildren remember include, “Get your butt over here, knot head,” “Fart Blossom,” “Well, I’ll be,” “I’ll tell you what,” “I love my babies, better believe it,” “If you don’t stop, I’m gonna beat your butt, Jay; now I done told ya!” and “Oh, I love my babies so much. Yes, I do, so, so much.” And indeed, she did love her babies so, so, so much!

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, Willie John Matthews; three sons, Leonard, Richard, and Mickal; two brothers J M and Terrell, her sister Annie; and two grandsons, Kelly and Shon.

She is survived by her loving family, including her children Willie Jr., Daniel, Sarah, and Kevin Matthews; 13 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind a sister, Louise Thompson.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Gladys’s daughter, Sarah, who lovingly devoted herself to caring for her mother over the past several years and spent every moment by her side in her final days. We know she wouldn’t have had it any other way. Your unwavering love and dedication brought her so much comfort. A special thank you also to her granddaughter Brandy, whose support and help meant the world to her and the entire family.

We also extend our deepest gratitude to the compassionate nurses and staff at Christus Hospice Shreveport Bossier. You stepped in with kindness, expertise, and love, ensuring that Gladys was well cared for and comforted in her final days. Your presence was a true blessing to her and her family, and we are eternally grateful for the tender care you provided.

Her faith in God was always present in her life, and we rest assured that she has graced Heaven with her presence and is finally waltzing again with the love of her life.

Grandparents hold a very special place in a family. They are the pre- and past generations who are there to usher in the new generations, over and over, until they take their last breath. They have the power to unite families for future generations to come. They create lifelong traditions, memories, teaching moments, and so many of the things a family needs to feel complete. They create special, unique bonds with each grandchild and great-grandchild—all the things that bring the most comfort, long after they are gone.

Thank you, Grandma Matthews, for being these things in our lives and for stepping up when no one else could or would in some of our darkest moments. You were all these beautiful things and so much more. You will be dearly missed. Thank you for being a great grandma. Gladys had a remarkable impact on those who knew her, and her legacy of compassion, strength, love, and hospitality will continue through her family and all those she touched.

A celebration of Gladys Matthews’ life will be held at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home and Park on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 2:00 PM. All family, friends, and loved ones are welcome to join us as we celebrate the beautiful life she lived.