The relatives and friends of Mother Minnie Lee Matthews of New York, formerly of St. Stephen, SC, are invited to attend her funeral service on Saturday, August 17, 2019, 12:00 Noon, at St. Stephen Baptist Church, 272 Church Road, St. Stephen, SC.  Burial will be in Doctor Pond Cemetery, St. Stephen, SC.

Minnie Lee Matthews was born on March 12, 1937, in St. Stephen, South Carolina. She was born to the union of the late Robert and Gertrude Matthews. She was the youngest girl, in a family with eight children (six boys and two girls).

In her youth, Minnie was a member of St. Stephen Baptist Church where she was baptized.  Inspired by her aunt and namesake, the late Rev. Minnie Aiken, she developed an interest in singing at and early age and went on to sing praises to God all of her life. If you knew Minnie, you knew she loved to sing. She loved her craft and work tirelessly to expand her song base, interpret old songs, and incorporate new ones.

Minnie lived in Brooklyn, New York in her adult life.  She worked at a variety of jobs, but one of her favorite positions was that of head cook. She loved to cook as much as she loved singing. To this day, old friends of her children still talk about the foods they loved when they sat at her table.

Minnie was civic minded and engaged in her community. Proof of that could be found in her little apartment, stuffed to the gills with donations and items for those in need. She always went above and beyond to help whenever she could. She volunteered so much as P.S. 106, they gave her a job. She was a mentor to those who needed it, a prayer partner, and sometimes just someone standing in your corner.

Minnie was preceded in death by her life partner, James W. McCoy. She was also preceded in death by her three brothers: Robert Matthews, Jr., Joseph Matthews, and baby brother, Silas Matthews; her sister-in-law, Gladys Matthews; her favorite cousin, Mattie Allums; and grandchild, Vernell.

Minnie will forever be missed by her children: Nathan Matthews, Sharon V. Matthews, Gail E. Mathews, and Anthony J. McCoy (Mary). Minnie also helped to raise four of James McCoy's children: Audrey McCoy, Veronica McCoy, Gilbert McCoy and Darnell McCoy.

Minnie is survived by: three brothers, Bob J. Matthews (Lura), Moses Matthews (Carolyn) and Nathaniel Matthews (Edna); one sister, Virginia Barber (Dave); beloved member of the family, Leonard Bryan; her dearest friend and sister-in-law, Vie Matthews; her loving cousin, Thelma Moseley; her grandchildren: Tosha, Shameka, Tyreese, Brianna, Jason and Marianna; her best friend, Birdie Abatzis; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Minnie Lee Matthews lived her adult life to serve God, sing His praises, and spread His good news.

Lovingly submitted by the Family