Albert Matthews, Jr.
1956 ~ 2016
Date of death: February 12, 2016
In profound sadness, we the staff at Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc want to express our sincere condolences to the Matthews family. Albert's earthly temple is now resting in the care of Veasley Funeral Home. Revelation 21:4 says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead, you will surely gain strength from the memories of
Albert Matthews, Jr.
Sincerely,
Derrick B. Veasley ~ Director
Henry B. Veasley ~ Director
Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplin
Albert "Pokey" Matthews, Jr. was born November 14, 1956 in Des Arc, Arkansas to Mr. Albert Matthews, Sr. and Mrs. Nellie Benton. He confessed his hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized under the leadership of the late JR Raynor. He was a 1975 graduate of Conway High School and shortly after, he joined the U.S. Navy. He served our country four years. He later worked for Georgia Pacific and from there he worked for the Portland International Airport Fire and Rescue Dept. from 1980 to 2005. Albert accepted his calling from our Lord and Savior to preach and teach the gospel. He was ordained in 1997 under the leadership of Pastor Lee Aurthur Madison at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church where he later moved to Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Johnny Pack, IV. Albert later moved back to Conway, Arkansas in May of 2012 and started working June of 2012 for the Arkansas Dept. of Human Services as a Life Safety Code Supervisor. In May of 2015 his occupation changed and he accepted a job as a Detention Officer with the Faulkner County Detention Center, Unit II where he remained until his health failed him. Albert was united in holy matrimony to his loving wife Lesia Crenshaw-Matthews on July 3, 2015. He loved his family, people, and children, but most of all, he loved the Lord and loved teaching and preaching God's word. He was an associate minister under the leadership of Pastor Artee Williams, Greater Pleasant Branch Missionary Baptist Church and later moved to Greater Fellowship Christian Church under the leadership of Pastor Odie Phillips. Albert's Earthly soul transcended to the Heavens on Friday, February 12, 2016 at his home. He is preceded in death by his father, Albert Matthews, Sr.; one grandson, Nash Matthews and one sister, Pasty Ann Matthews. Albert leaves to cherish his loving memory, wife, Lesia D. Matthews of Conway, Arkansas; two sons, Chris Matthews of Portland, Oregon and Adrian Matthews of Atlanta, Georgia; one daughter, Natasha Matthews-Thomas (Daryl) of Phoenix, Arizona; one step-daughter, LaShawnda Crenshaw-Macon of Conway, Arkansas; three grandsons, Brandon Matthews of Portland, Oregon, JaMarion and JaMarcus Macon of Conway, Arkansas ; mother, Nellie Brown of Conway, Arkansas; two brothers, Dwight Benton (Lavonn) of Hampton, Virginia and Danny Matthews (Cheryl) of Smyrna, Delaware; four sisters, Charlene Benton, Glennetta Greenlaw and Janice Brown all of Conway, Arkansas, Tena Byrd of Houston, Texas; and a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Public viewing will be Friday, February 19, 2016 from 1pm to 4pm at the funeral home. The family will receive friends Friday, February 19, 2016 from 6pm to 8pm at Greater Fellowship Christian Church, 1 Wildwood Dr. (Hwy 365) Conway, Arkansas 72032. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 20, 2016, 11:00am at Greater Pleasant Branch Missionary Baptist Church, 601 Spruce St. Conway, Arkansas 72032.