Jean Williams Matthews, 93, of Springfield, MO, departed this life to walk with God on April 13, 2021 at her home on East Woodgate in Springfield. She passed into eternal life with the support and presence of her daughter Sandy.

Graveside service and Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 2:00 PM in Eastlawn Cemetery under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.

Jean was born, Genevieve Williams, on March 25, 1928 in Collinsville, OK, the youngest of 5 children born to Roger L. and Dovey (Strong) Williams. She enjoyed the first 14 years of her life in Collinsville, OK, before moving to Conway, MO with her parents. She graduated from HS there. It was also in Conway she met the "Love Of Her Life", Jack Matthews, a young minister at the Conway Christian Church. They were married on Nov. 28, 1946, at the Walnut St. Christian Church in Springfield, MO, in a double ceremony with Jack's brother, Bill and his bride Waneta Davis.

Jack and Jean made their home in Tulsa, OK, where Jean worked as a secretary before returning to Springfield in 1948. While Jack returned to Bible College in Manhattan, KS, Jean worked on her PHT (Putting Hubby Through) while taking a few classes at KSU herself.

She was blessed with the birth of two precious children, Sandra Lynn in 1951 in Manhattan, KS, and Stephen Avery in 1953 Springfield, MO, after they had received the call to the Christian Church in Walnut Grove, MO. While performing her "favorite job" as wife and mother, Jean served in various areas of the church that Jack was ministering too. She also attended college classes at Ft. Scott , KS, and Coffeyville, KS. She also worked as secretary to the Dean of the Bible College at Phillips U in Enid, OK and as a bank teller in Pleasanton, KS, Tulsa, OK and Moore, OK, as Jack served these congregations. After serving their last church in Sedan, KS, they retired to Springfield where they have both been members of the South Street Christian Church.

Surviving is her daughter Sandy Shelley of Dorchester, SC. Jean also has 2 surviving grandchildren, Alicia J. Shelley of St. Petersburg, FL and Jeffrey W. Shelley of Willmington, NC, and his wife, Ashley. Jean has one great granddaughter, Jaclyn Shelley of Wellington, New Zealand. Jean was preceded in heaven by her son, Dr. Stephen A. Matthews and her grandson, Ryan Adam Matthews of Chapel Hill, NC, when they died tragically in a plane crash in April of 1985. Also, predeceasing her were her brothers, Lee, Hershal, and Melvin Williams and her sister Juanita Olsen.

Memorials may be made to Victory Mission at 1715 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield, MO 65803.

We also wish to acknowledge all the wonderful caregivers who have added so much to the quality of life in Jean's final years. Thanks to all the Hospice workers, particularly Rhonda, RN and Shirley, her bath aid. Mostly, we want to acknowledge our Springfield family of caregivers, Carla Smith, Diana Worthey, Anel Morales, Pamela Figgaroa and all those who lovingly gave their time and care.  We appreciate you.