Juana Matthews

October 7, 1938 - April 15, 2022

Juana Matthews, of Bridge City, Texas joined her Lord in heaven on Friday, April 15, 2022. She was born Oct. 7, 1938 to Newman and Juanita Rhodes and was 83 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Howard Matthews; brother, Cecil Rhodes; and son-in-law, Boo Richard. She is survived by her three children, Wayne Matthews and wife Lisa; daughters, Lynn Richard and Ann Borque and husband Paul; seven grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren; as well as a sister, Loy Schultz and brother-in-law Ralph; and sister-in-law, Lynn Ann Rhodes. Juana's life encompassed loving her Lord, being a devoted wife of 61 years to her "Honey", and "Mother" to her three children. She would proudly tell anyone how many "grands" and "greats" she had. She had a servant's heart, loved meeting people, making friends and helping others. She served at First Baptist Church of Bridge City and Parkway Baptist Church in Bronson in children and adults ministries, loved mission work both in North America and Internationally, loved singing in the choirs, and more. She and Howard enjoyed 22 years of retirement at "The Lake", as all the kids would call the house there on Rayburn. Her other interests and skills included gardening and sharing the produce, making jelly to share, crocheting "booties" for babies of her family and friends, crocheting hats and scarves for military personnel, and praying for and with anyone. By profession she was a teacher of elementary students. Her life was well lived. Her legacy will be strong. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, April 25, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Bridge City. Officiating will be Reverend Keith Royal. Burial will follow at Orange Forest Lawn Cemetery in Orange. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, April 24, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Bridge City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to First Baptist Church, 200 W. Roundbunch Rd., Bridge City, TX 77611. Funds will be channeled to missions and scholarships for students.