Mary Evelyn Matthews was born on March 12, 1952 in Silver Creek, Mississippi, a daughter of the late Willie and Gladdiemae Keys. She received her education in the Lawrence County public schools in Monticelllo, MS. Mary graduated from McCullough High School and always dreamed of becoming a nurse. Mary was an active member of her church, Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church where she enjoyed Sunday School and Youth Auxiliary Training. In 1969, she moved to New York where she joined the Full Gospel Mission COGIC and continued to grow in the Lord. In New York City, she met and married the love of her life, Linzy Matthews. This union was blessed with three sons: Derrick, Troy, and Jason. Mary continued to serve faithfully in the church as an usher, choir member, working with the youth - the young women's purity class on local and state levels. She served with a willing spirit whenever and wherever help was needed. She talked and walked her Christian life. Mary achieved her dream of becoming a nurse. She began her career on Roosevelt Island at Coler Memorial Hospital on January 4, 1971. She excelled in her education and became a Registered Professional Nurse. She remained at Coler Memorial until her retirement on September 21, 2005. During her years of service, she loved taking care of her patients and received great satisfaction in knowing that they, too, were pleased with the care she provided. Mary was also an advocate for her peers and co-workers. She was an active member of NYS Nurses Association and served on the Union Benefits Negotiation Committee. Mary started and organized "The Girls' Night Out" whereby limousine service chauffeured them to specific restaurants. Mary enjoyed spending time with family and friends and reciting poetry. Mary passed from labor to reward on Thursday, January 6, 2011 at Northshore Hospital. She leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memory: a loving and devoted husband, Linzy; three sons, Derrick (Nicole) and their 4 children: Britney, Jada, Kiana and Caitlyn; Troy (Keisha) and their 2 children, Niya and Talasia; Jason (Camella) and their 3 sons, Jason Jr., Ja-rece, and Jayquan and one daughter, Madison; sisters, Charlestine Ross, Doris Adé (Joseph), Willestsine Lark (Major), Catherine Davis, Gladys Keys, Betty Goodlove (David), and Vella Coleman; brothers, Willard Keys, Sylvester Keys (Greta), Calvin Keys (Judy); sisters-in-law, Beverly Miller, Roberta June, Sandra Smalls; brother-in-law, Willie Matthews (Shirley); and a host of nieces, nephews, saints, and friends.