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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE PASSING OF JOSHUA MATTHEWS OF BOWMAN, TO CELEBRATE HIS LIFE, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the South Carolina Senate was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Joshua Matthews of Bowman on July 5, 2021, at the venerable age of eighty-four; and
Whereas, the third of four sons born to the Reverend John Wesley Matthews and Victoria Williams Matthews, Joshua Matthews entered this world on August 1, 1936; and
Whereas, educated in the schools of Orangeburg County, Joshua graduated in 1954 from Wilkinson High School and then furthered his education at South Carolina State College (now South Carolina State University), where he earned a degree in industrial education. Then, on July 19, 1958, Joshua wed the former Katherine Annette Crum of Rowesville; and
Whereas, upon receiving his degree, Joshua entered the workforce as an industrial education teacher at Barnwell High School. After one year, he decided to work for himself and started what became known as Matthews Construction Company. In business for more than fifty years, Matthews Construction Company was known throughout the county, State, and Lowcountry for its meticulous, dedicated, and high-quality work; and
Whereas, while Joshua loved construction, he also loved the land and was an avid farmer; and
Whereas, this lifelong resident of Bowman was deeply involved with his community. He was a member of the Bowman branch of the NAACP and a former board member and chairman of the former Orangeburg School District #2. He was a lifelong active member of Pineville United Methodist Church, where he served as a board member, board chair, lay speaker, member of the United Methodist Men, and member of the Senior Choir; and
Whereas, Joshua Matthews leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife of sixty-three years, Katherine; his five children, Paquita Lynne (Victor) Wood of Mableton, Georgia, Jossena Bonita Matthews of Orangeburg, Joshua Samuel (Andrea) Matthews of Bowman, Kay Antoinette Matthews of Nashville, Tennessee, and Tiffany Vashuna Matthews-Carter of Mableton, Georgia; six grandchildren, Alexandria Victoria Matthews of Greer, Dorian Sherard (Antoinette) Wood, M.D., of Dallas, Texas, Darius Gerard Wood, J.D., of Atlanta, Georgia, Joshua Samuel Matthews II of Orangeburg, Victor Leon Wood II of Mableton, Georgia, and Erin Tiara Carter of Mableton Georgia; and three great-grandchildren, Raegan E. Wood, Cairo G. Wood, and Cayden M. Wood; and
Whereas, other loving family members include two adopted grandchildren, Jocelyn Latrese Ellis and Jarvis Langston Ellis of Savannah, Georgia; one sister, Bessie Moss of Orangeburg; three brothers, Roosevelt (Alma) Matthews of Bowman, Booker T. Matthews of Jamaica, New York, and Senator John W. (Mary) Matthews of Bowman; one brother-in-law, Joseph Jackson of Rowesville; a devoted caregiver, Sandra Mack, and an adopted son, Barry Smithzer, Jr., both of Orangeburg; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Joshua Matthews of Bowman, celebrate his life, and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mrs. Katherine Matthews for the family.
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