Jean Matlock

During her high school years, she met the love of her life, Herbert E. Matlock. On January 19, 1957, they wedded and to their loving union eight children were born: Donald, Beverly, Debra, Alisa, Kathy, Patricia, Regina, and Carolyn. Fulfilling what Jean wanted, a large family. The family is where love, camaraderie and lots of noise existed. She loved being a mother, and a wonderful, self-sacrificing mother she was, teaching each child to be independent and self-assured in whatever endeavor they wanted to pursue, especially if it was one of theocratic pursuits, it had the family’s full support.

In the fall of 1962, Jean was introduced to the truth about Jehovah God and the promises of life everlasting in God’s new world. On September 24, 1972, she became a dedicated and baptized servant of Jehovah God. Throughout her life as a dedicated servant, she was known for her firm resolve to follow Jehovah’s principles by example of her life. In rearing her children, she displayed her faith, dedication, and love for Jehovah. She would show her children by praying and talking with Jehovah daily, showing them how real Jehovah was to her. Crying out to him, “O Jehovah,” and begin speaking to him constantly no matter what the circumstances and what decisions she faced. She was truly a person of prayer. It was such a part of her life that when the grandchild was able to talk, they would say, “O Jehovah” sounding like “Granny.” Even in her final days, before chewing a piece of gum or candy, she would give thanks to Jehovah. Continuously showing that nothing is too small to thank Jehovah God for because He made “ALL” things possible.

Jean’s kindness and love for Jehovah was displayed by teaching and preaching to everyone she met, whether repairman, salesman, or mailman. Throughout her life she had the privilege of being used by Jehovah in aiding several to baptism. They formed such a friendship that they became aunts to the children (i.e., Honey-Aunt Martha Deshaun, and Aunt Stella Williams) .

Her home was open to family, friends, Circuit Overseers, Bethel family members, and strangers. She displayed generosity that made her home a haven of love, with an exchange of encouragement and parental instructions. She loved to cook and bake. Her pound cakes were moist, mouth-watering, and delicious. Her teacakes were so delicious, like little round cakes to be eaten alone or with coffee or hot chocolate. The sweet potato pies were treats throughout the year, assuring you had a dessert for dinner.

In her 22 years of working at Jack Fields Elementary, she became granny to several of the students, to the point she wanted to adopt them. She felt that all kids should be happy, well fed, clothed, and loved, the signs of a true momma and granny.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Herbert, her daughter Debra, and seven siblings. Left to cherish her memory is her seven children: Donald Matlock (Yolanda), Beverly Joseph (Jeffrey), Alisa Griffin (Raymond), Kathy Grant (Rickey), Patricia Boone (Steven), Regina Horton (Dexter, deceased) and Carolyn Matlock. Fourteen grandchildren and their spouses and nineteen great-grandchildren. Her sister, Bobbie Greer, her brothers, Percy (Joyce), Oscar Sr., and sister-in-law, Ernestine Teel (Tim), along with a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.

Zoom Meeting Passcode: BJ1940