Corine Collier Matthews, 82, of Decatur was born to the late Edgar and Queen Anna Rice Collier on March 10, 1933, in Limestone County. She departed this life on Feb. 26, 2016 surrounded by loved ones.
She received her education in the Limestone County School District. She retired from Decatur General Hospital after 30-plus years of service. She confessed her love for Christ at age 12 and joined Mt. Zion C.P. Church in Mooresville. She later united with St. James C.P. Church where she served faithfully as a Mother for over 50 years, the Senior Missionary Society, Neighborhood Christian Bible Class, a faithful and powerful prayer warrior and a member of Elizabeth Chapter #40 O.E.S. for over 40 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband for over 60 years, Frank Matthews; sisters, Arizene Edmonds Fitzgerald, Edmonia Downs, Susie Bonner and Inez Parker; brothers, James E. Collier, George Willie Collier and James W. Collier. Corine leaves to cherish her precious memory: two loving and devoted daughters, Quenneanne Davis (Ricky), Alexandria, Louisiana and Felecia Scales (Ivory), Athens; two brothers, Jessie Lee Collier (Ruth) and A. J. Collier (Diane); five sisters, Willie Mae Western (Alphonso), Emma Jane Moore (Edward), Mildred Humphrey Collier, Catherine Harris and Odell Fletcher; four grandchildren, whom she adored, Alexander Scales, Athens, Ricky Re’Chard Davis, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Megan Davis, Alexandria, Louisiana and Marche’ Scales, Athens; one great-grandson, who was the love of her life, Noah Alexander Scales; nieces she raised, Marshallnette, Theresa, Camelia and Sonya; nephews, brothers-in-law, Earl Matthews (Gladys), Clarence Saxton (Delores); sister-in-law, Lillie Collier; “like a son”, Robert Caudle of Decatur; one godson, Seth Emerson of Decatur; a host of other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life for Mother Matthews will be noon Friday, March 4, 2016 at St. James C.P. Church in America with the Reverend Theodore Bone officiating and inhumation to follow in Sterrs Cemetery. The body will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral. The family will receive friends this evening from 6 to 7 at Reynolds Funeral Home. Flower bearers will be Mothers and pallbearers will be Deacons and Elders of St. James C.P. Church.
