Joy (Champion) Matthews

Joy Matthews, 91, of Conneaut, went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday, July 10, 2018. She was born August 14, 1926 in Beloit, Wisconsin, and was the daughter of Gordon and Ruby (Jenkin) Champion.

After high school, Mrs. Matthews graduated from Central Bible Institute. She married Rev. Donald Matthews on August 13, 1949, and served alongside her husband for over 60 years in various capacities.

Joy was a member of the Conneaut First Assembly of God. She enjoyed birdwatching, sewing, collecting bunnies and postcards, making cards, sending cards and letters to friends, and playing the piano. A very important part of her life, was being a prayer warrior for so many.

Survivors include her son Donald (Kathy) Matthews of Indianapolis, IN; her daughters Marilyn Dean of Springfield, MO, and Beth (Dennis) Rigden of Conneaut; her grandchildren Amy (Kevin) Ott, Rebekah Matthews, Krystal (Dan) Schroder, and Alyssa (Tyler) Bream; and her great-grandchildren Lucy Ott, Judah Bream, and Aliceanna and Juliet Schroder.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Rev. Donald Matthews; her brother Richard Champion; her sister Marjorie Cantel; and her son-in-law Terry Dean.

Joy’s family would like to sincerely thank the Villa at the Lake, Ashtabula County Nursing Home, and Hospice of the Western Reserve, especially Renee, for their wonderful care they provided. Also a special thank you to Linda Reardon and Carolyn Webb for their love and care for Joy.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM, Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at the First Assembly of God, 389 W. Main Rd. Conneaut, with Rev. George Fink officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memory Gardens.

Friends may call from 6-8 PM, Monday, July 16, 2018 at the Marcy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut.

Contributions may be made to World and Home Missions-Assemblies of God, or the First Assembly of God. Envelopes will be available at the church and also at the funeral home.

Sign the guestbook at www.marcyfuneralhome.com.

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