Mark Jefferey Matthews

Mark Jeffrey Matthews

Mark Jeffrey Matthews was born on January 6, 1959 on Kindley Air Force Base, Hamilton, Bermuda to the late Slater B. Matthews, Sr. and Bessie Lois Matthews. He was the 8th of 9 children. He returned to the United States with his family in 1961 and while his family was stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama he attended pre-school. When his family was transferred to Hampton, Virginia in 1967, Mark attended Aberdeen Elementary, Thomas Eaton, Jr. High and Bethel High Schools.  As a young child he accepted Christ and was baptized at Second Baptist Church (now known as Miracle Temple) in Newport News, Virginia. Mark joined the United States Army in 1976 and at the end of his tour, returned to Hampton, Virginia and started his own carpentry business and often commented that his God walked with him no matter whether he was in a Baptist church or a Methodist church.

In September, 2004, Mark married Pamela Plummer at Goshen United Methodist Church, Gaithersburg, Maryland.   Mark’s family unit which consisted of two sons, Anthony (Bobo) and Mark (little Mark) from a previous marriage to Donna Eley  was increased when he married Pamela. To their union Mark and Pam expanded their family with two more children, Micah and Mikayla.

Mark had a big and caring heart that went beyond saying “I Love You.” He demonstrated his love and care by oftentimes giving the clothes off his back, offering a friend or a stranger a meal or a hand up; he even opened up his house to allow a less fortunate soul to take a shower realizing they were homeless.  Although he was sick and afflicted, it didn’t stop Mark from visiting friends that he felt needed encouragement or just a friend to lift their spirits. He daily demonstrated the scripture - Matthew 25: 35-37. “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison [or sick] and you came to visit me.” He modeled God’s own heart.

Mark loved his family and friends immensely. He enjoyed talking on the phone every day with different family and friends and never failed to leave them with a scripture, share about the goodness of God to him,  or a word of encouragement about how blessed he was by God. He would always greet you with a smile. He never met a stranger and loved everybody. He could and would talk to everyone. He had a wicked sense of humor and never hesitated to laugh and joke with, and at his  family members.

Mark was a sharp dresser and was greatly admired by all who saw him. Most times, he was dressed with matching hats, shoes and shirts. He enjoyed men’s fashion and his outfit was never complete unless he had the shoes, preferably ‘Ferragamo’ to match.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother (Ervan Harvey Matthews). He leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memories, his wife, Pamela Plummer Matthews; four children, Anthony (Pavielle); Mark (Tiffany); Micah (Thao); Mikayla and his grandchildren, Trussardi; Dasani; Havyaire; Ameirah; Jabree; Mkaree; Tynasia; Tamaj; Jasmin; Kamiya; Zion; and Aaliyah; all who brought unending joy, love and light to his life.

He is survived by seven remaining siblings, Glyn Matthews (Ethel); Patricia Matthews Juarez (Paul); Lottie Matthews Hickman (Alton); Slater Matthews, Jr. (Gloria); Linda Matthews King (John); Connie Matthews Harshaw (Mike); and Morris Elliott Matthews (Amy); one sister-in-law Karen Plummer Richburg, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family acknowledges with heartfelt appreciation the many comforting messages, prayers and other acts of kindness evident in your deeds during the passing of our loved one. May God continue to bless all of you.

Celebration of Life (Part 1)

Friday, May 24, 2024 at 11 AM

Goshen United Methodist Church

19615 Goshen Road

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Celebration of Life (Part 2)

Friday, June 14, 2024 at 2 PM

Carter’s Funeral Home Chapel

3700 Marshall Avenue

Newport News, Virginia

Followed by Luncheon

Friday, June 14, 2024 at 3:30 PM

Second Street Bistro

115 Arthur Way

Newport News, Virginia

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