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November 12, 1951 - April 18, 2019
A Legacy of Life, Light & Love A Light is Born Sister Cynthia Marie Bell- Matthews was the fifth child born to the union of the late Rev. James and Albertha Bell, Sr., In New Orleans, Louisiana on November 12, 1951. She was an obedient child and enjoyed making her parents proud. Being the third oldest girl in the Bell family, she learned many attributes of womanhood from her mother and her big sisters. They spent many days doing each other’s hair and swapping clothes and stories alike. Cynthia was a woman of Elegance, Class, and Grace. She was a brave and honorable warrior who loved God. She also exemplified all the characteristics of a Proverbs 31 “Virtuous Woman”. Her humility was unsurpassable, and her generosity extended to anyone in need. Cynthia was a lady of excellence and expected it from everyone who came in her presence. She is known for telling the truth and nothing but the truth. Her famous quote, “Oh you’re gon’ be alright” is what she said whenever she thought you were a bit offended!
A Love Affair Cynthia met the love of her life Stephenson Matthews while living in uptown New Orleans. When he was in the sixth grade and she was in the fifth they really began to notice each other. There was an ongoing spat at school between the two about a stolen sandwich and the rest is history. Their friendship blossomed into a 47-year blissful marriage after he proposed on Easter in 1970, with a ring inside of an “Easter Egg”. On June 12, 1970 they were married, and from this union one loving and devoted daughter Teelye Triniese Matthews was born.
A Gift of Love and Dedication Cynthia was educated in the New Orleans Public School System where she attended James Lewis Elementary School, Carter G. Woodson Junior High, and Booker T. Washington Senior High School where she graduated from as a MIGHTY LION. While growing up, she was a studious scholar and enjoyed going to school. Cynthia became a seamstress through trade from Booker T. Washington, she took those talents on to her 1st job at the Lighthouse for the Blind. She worked diligently at the Lighthouse for the Blind for a few years. She then took a job at B&B Jeans. Being such a hard worker and dedicated to her craft, she returned to her 1st love at the Lighthouse for the Blind and retired after 40 years of service in November of 2018. Cynthia was a master seamstress who has sewn entire wedding party, prom and winter formal dresses, just to name a few.
The Legacy Continues… A Life of Service Cynthia was baptized at Loving Four Tabernacle Baptist Church at an early age by the late Rev. E. L. Cooper, Sr. where she sang in the youth choir as a young girl and later returned to Loving Four Tabernacle Baptist Church where she sang in the Mass Choir, was a member of the Women’s Ministry, Bible Study and Sunday school. Growing up as one of the oldest children to a Baptist minister, Cynthia served in many facets at other churches. She served on the Usher Board at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, she also sang in the Senior Choir at True Heart Missionary Baptist Church. Post Katrina she became a faithful member of the Sixth Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Torin T. Sanders, Ph.D. until she became unable to attend. “Cynt” was devoted to her family and her love overflowed to all. “Cynt” enjoyed cooking, giving gifts to her loved ones and strangers alike, sewing, ordering any and everything offline, hosting her famous “Kitchen Parties” and bossing the whole family around.
Her Light is Renewed At 12:46 am on Holy Thursday, April 18, 2019 at Touro Infirmary Hospital Cynthia received her wings. She transitioned from her mortal body and took a breath of fresh air into her new life of everlasting peace. Although gone from our sight, Cynthia is ever in our hearts and minds. Cynthia leaves to cherish her precious memories, her lifelong companion, her friend, and devoted Husband Stephenson Matthews; her loving daughter Teelye Triniese Matthews. Her three Grandchildren, Damian Miguel Matthews, Da’Mia Marie Severan and Ta’Lia Mackenzie Severan. Three Brothers James, Jr. Norman and Floyd (Wanda) Bell. Five Sisters, Carol Mae Harris, Dolly Mae Brumfield (Edwin, Sr.), Elma Webster. (Donny, Sr.), Josephine Brown (David Sr.) and Della Bell Washington (Joe). One Bother -n-law Curtis Matthews and two sisters-in-law Burnadean (Brainell) and Bernadette Matthews. Two God Children Nicolle Oatis and Frederick Washington. A host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Love Awaits Her Standing at the beautiful gates of heaven awaiting Cynthia’s arrival are her Parents: Rev. James and Albertha Bell, Sr., her in-laws Simon and Ella Matthews, Her three brothers Elijah, Dezray, and Gil, One Sister Albertha Bell-Cooks and four Brothers-in-law.
Cynthia Marie Bell-Matthews November 12, 1951
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April
18, 2019
The LORD Is My Shepherd I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Psalms 23
Sixth Baptist Church 928 Felicity Street New Orleans, LA 70130 Pastor Torin T. Sanders, Ph.D./Officiant Saturday, April 27, 2019 Processional……………………………………………….. Pastor Torin T. Sanders, Ph.D. and Family Song of Praise … The Sixth Baptist Church Choir ….. “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand”
Old Testament ………………………………. Psalm 34:1-4 …………………………. Elder Gayle Davis New Testament………………………. 1 Thessalonian 4:13-18 …………… Elder Elijah Brimmer Prayer ……………………………………………………………………………………. Rev. Maurice Windham Prayer Chant ………………………………………………………………… Pass Me Not O’ Gentle Savior Servant of Service ………………………………………………………………………….. Sis. Dixie Addison Selection ………………………………………………………………….... The Sixth Baptist Church Choir Resolution ………………………………………………………………………………... Rev. Beverly Swinney Solo ………………………………………………………………………………….. Sis. Reyan Brimmer-Eaglin Reading of the Obituary……………………………………………….………………… Sis. Glenda Spears Selection…………………………………………………………………….. The Sixth Baptist Church Choir Poem ……………………………………. “My Wife, My Friend” ……………… Sis. My’Sha Robinson Reflections (2 Minutes Please) From A Friend and Co-Worker …………………………………………………. Sis. Sibyl Baker Mikell From A Baby Sister ……………………………………………………………. Sis. Della Bell Washington Words of Comfort ………………………. (2 Minutes Please) ……………………. Visiting Minsters Solo …………………………………………………………………………………. Daughter Teelye Matthews Eulogy ………………………………………………………………………….. Pastor Torin T. Sanders, Ph.D. Benediction Recessional
Cynthia Marie Bell-Matthews November 12, 1951
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April
18, 2019
My Wife, My Friend You have always been there for me; Your courage and your love embody me. My life partner and my strength; Through sickness and health, I promised to be there with you to the end. You supported my dreams and my endeavorsYou showed me what love really looks like. I will always remember your laughter and your beautiful smile; You would light up a room with your grace and style. I am proud and honored to have been called your husband; I know your light will shine on us so brightly from above. Yes I miss you and I will never forget you; My boo, my girl, my lover for life you will always be my lady, my peace and my friend. S. Matthews
Dear Momma, Momma I miss you. I am still in shock that you are not here with me. We shared so much. You were more than momma, you were my friend. I have so much I want to say to you, but first I’ll say that you showed me how to love. I know you loved me! Thank you for your discerning heart and for cultivating a home of joy. You did not keep tabs of my wrong doings. You showed me how to be content and not envious of others. Your unwavering faith was unmeasurable, and I know you trusted in God. You raised me to Love God first and you taught me how to live by your exemplary example of dedication to family. I hope that you were proud of me. We have shared so much together. No matter what happened, I always knew I can call my momma and you would know exactly what to say to any situation. You supported all my endeavors, dreams and aspirations. You taught me to read the bible and how to pray, how to serve others, how to cook, raise children, how to take care of home, fight on with love, how to respect and love myself and others and so MUCH more. You passed down your gifts of humility empathy, compassion and wit. I want my life to be a memorial of the gifts you gave. You were never afraid to tell the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it was to me. During your last days we prayed and sang daily. I am so glad I was able to sing “Encourage Yourself” to you and made sure to kiss you and say I love you. So as you take you final rest, I have no regrets. I am so glad I had that special time with you. So, to my homegirl, my momma, my friend, my truth teller, my secret keeper, my prayer partner and my cooking buddy, I will always Miss you and Love you unconditionally. Your One and Only Daughter, Teelye Triniese Matthews
Siblings, Speak of me as you have always done. Remember the good times, laughter, and fun. Share the happy memories we've made. Do not let them wither or fade. I'll be with you in the summer's sun. And when the winter's chill has come. I'll be the voice that whispers in the breeze. I'm peaceful now, put your mind at ease. I've rested my eyes and gone to sleep, But memories we've shared are yours to keep. Sometimes our final days may be a test, But remember me when I was at my best. Although things may not be the same, don't be afraid to use my name. Let your sorrow last for just a while. Comfort each other and try to smile. I've lived a life filled with joy and fun. Live on now, make me proud of what you'll become.
If roses grow in heaven Lord please pick a bunch for us and place them in our grandma’s arms And tell her they are from Us Tell her We Love and miss her, And when she turns to smile Hold her in your arms for a while. Because remembering her will be easy, We do it every day, But there’s an ache within our hearts That will never go away.
We Love You Grandma, Damian, Da’Mia, and Ta’Lia
FAMILY
F A M I L Y
FAMILY
David E. Brown, III Willie Cooks, III Frederick J. Washington Orlando Matthews, Sr. Romell McLeod Joseph May, Jr.
Stephenson Matthews Damian Matthews James Bell, Jr. Floyd Bell Norman Bell David E. Brown Sr. Edwin Brumfield, Sr. Curtis Matthews Elijah Brimmer, Jr. Donny Webster, Sr. Donny Webster, Jr.
Perhaps you sent a lovely card, or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent those beautiful flowers that we saw sitting there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, as any friend could say. Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts we The Matthews Family thank you so much for whatever part.
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; Gertrude Geddes Willis Funeral Home, Inc. 2120 Jackson Ave. New Orleans, La 70113
Mount Olivet Cemetery 4000 Norman Mayer Avenue NOLA 70122
The Legacy 4901 Chef Menteur Hwy, NOLA 70126 Program Design & Printing: Our Celebrations of Life (504) 453-2186 * ourcelebrationsoflife@gmail.com