With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Mr. Derel O’Neal Matthews, affectionately known as “Derel” by his family and “Twin” by his close friends, who entered into eternal rest on Friday, September 11, 2026, at his residence in Jamestown, South Carolina.

Derel was a young man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life and cherished the time he spent doing the things he loved. He enjoyed shooting pool, playing basketball, and bowling. These activities brought him happiness and created many special memories with his family and friends. Derel will be remembered for his smile, his laughter, his friendships, and the love he shared with those around him.

Derel was preceded in death by his beloved twin brother, Jerel O. Matthews, Jr. Their bond was one that death could not erase, and Derel now joins his twin brother in eternal rest.

Those left to cherish Derel’s memory include his beloved wife, Natalie Matthews; his children, Derel Ti’Quan Matthews, Daumarion Matthews, and Da’Vonte Matthews; and So’Raya Blake, with whom Derel shared a special bond and whom he helped to raise.

He will also be lovingly remembered by his mother, Robin Aiken Brown (Jerome); his father, Reverend Jerel O. Matthews, Sr.; his grandparents, Isaac and Vivian Aiken; his stepsister, DeMaria Myers; his step-sister, Martha Smalls (Derran); his stepbrothers, Jerome Brown, Jr. (Thomas), Shaquille Brown (Jackie), and Mijel Brown (Nicole); and his father and mother-in-law, Eddie Blake, Jr. and Virginia Blake.

Derel’s memory will also be treasured by his special aunts, Gwendolyn Graham, Patricia Hunley, and June Aiken; his special uncles, Isaac Aiken and Kenneth Vice; and a host of cousins, relatives, extended family members, church family, and friends who were blessed to know and love him.

A viewing will take place on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Gethers Funeral Home, 200 Grace Street, Moncks Corner, SC.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at Moncks Corner AME Church, 306 West Main Street, Moncks Corner, SC. Burial will follow in Moncks Corner AMEC Cemetery, 306 West Main Street, Moncks Corner, SC.

Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we give thanks to God for the life of Derel O’Neal Matthews. We will remember his smile, his laughter, his friendships, his love for his family, and the memories he created along the way.

His earthly journey has ended, but his memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him.