James William Matthews Sr.

Our daddy, James William Matthews, Sr., joined our mother and other loved ones in Heaven on December 31, 2024.  God gave us a daddy that was a dedicated and devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great great-grandfather full of kindness, humbleness and love for his/our family.  Our mother would always tell us he was the “Best Daddy in the World”!  He was born on August 5, 1925, to William Edd and Miley Bass Matthews and was one of five children growing up in the Mount Zion Community near Momeyer, NC.  His family attended Mount Zion Free Will Baptist Church where daddy began his Christian journey.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 73 years, Estelle “Sister” Bass Matthews; his brothers, David Earl Matthews of Rocky Mount, NC and Jack Matthews of Fuquay Varina, NC; and his sisters, Jane Bass of Momeyer, NC and Stella Staley of Colonial Heights, VA.

Left to cherish his memory, his sister-in-law, Serena Matthews; his brother-in-law, Paul Bass (Sue) of Momeyer, NC.  Daddy was a loving and Godly father to four children, Jill Jessup (Leo) of Rocky Mount, NC, Jamie Dollar (Ike) of Momeyer, NC, James “Jimmy” Matthews, Jr. (Connie) of Pine Knoll Shores and Ayden, NC, and Jerry Matthews (Mary) of Canton, GA.  He was a special Granddaddy to twelve grandchildren, Tyler Jessup (Debbie) of Timberville, VA, Todd Jessup of Charleston, SC, April Walker (Brad) of Raleigh, NC, Caleb Dollar (Stacey) of Toano, VA, Isaac Dollar (Stephanie) of Morehead City, NC, Niki Montague (Josh) of Raleigh, NC, Susanne Matthews (Miguel) of Austin TX, John Matthews (Jennifer) of Greenville, NC, Jensen Matthews (Jessica) of Holly Springs, GA, Jeremy and Jordan Matthews of Canton GA, and Jeania Flaherty (Shawn) of Concord, NC.  He was very proud of his 18 great-grandchildren, Emalyn Naihe (Kai) of Durham, NC, Abby Curinga (Joe) of Timberville, VA, Callan, McRae, and Evie Jessup of Charleston, SC, Maya Walker of Raleigh, NC, Adia, Kayla, and Samantha Dollar of Toano, VA, Jacob Sloan, Will and Finley Wilbanks of Raleigh, NC, J.W., Sammy, and Andi Jo Matthews of Greenville, NC, Jack and Conner Flaherty of Concord, NC, Jenson “JJ” Reid, Jr. of Holly Springs, GA.  He had two great great-grandsons, Woodland Naihe of Durham, NC and Joey Curinga IV of Timberville, VA; and two great great-granddaughters, Pearl and Kailyn Naihe of Durham, NC.  He was also very fond of his many nieces and nephews calling him Uncle James William!

He was a graduate of Spring Hope High School and worked many years at Bass Bros. Store where he met and married Estelle “Sister” Bass in 1945.

He strongly believed in serving God many years at Momeyer Baptist Church where he served as Sunday School Supt., Deacon and Choir member for many years and enjoyed singing as bass singer in the gospel groups “Good Old Boys” and “One Heart”.

He supported his community in becoming a charter member of Momeyer Ruritan Club and achieved perfect attendance for 56 years.

He was a member of Farm Bureau and farmed his father’s farm for many years and worked alongside his father in his Momeyer Service Station in his extra time after farming all day.

In later years, he enrolled at Wilson Tech and graduated and began working at Nash Advancement Center with the NC State Prison System as an Advancement Officer assisting inmates re-entering the workforce find jobs and make adjustments after their release from prison.

He enjoyed working at his “C-Ranch” with his cows for many years in his retirement.

Thanks to our sister, Jamie, for coordinating daddy’s care through the past several years.  Also, the family is most appreciative of the loving and caring caregivers who gave him loving care for the past several years.

Our daddy enjoyed three years with his Breckenridge Retirement Home family.  Lots of relationships were developed there.  As his health declined, he needed caregivers there who loved him, and he loved them in return.  His new daughters, as he would introduce them sometimes, Saleta, Barbara, Bonita, Idexter, Tawanda, Arlene, and Vicky and they would argue over which one was his favorite.  We were blessed to have them.

The public is invited to pay their respects and view James William at Wheeler & Woodlief on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

A Family Committal Service will  be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Forest Hill Cemetery in Nashville.

A celebration of James William’s life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Momeyer Baptist Church, 4967 Momeyer Way, Nashville, NC  27856 with Dr. Joel Jenkins officiating.  A reception will follow the service in the Momeyer Baptist Church Family Life Center until 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in James William’s memory to Momeyer Baptist Church, 4967 Momeyer Way, Nashville, NC  27856.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.