Joshua Matthews

Joshua Matthews, the third of four sons, born to the late Rev. John Wesley and the late Victoria Williams Matthews, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, July 5th at the Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Born August 1, 1936, Joshua was educated in the schools of Orangeburg County. A 1954 graduate of Wilkinson High School, Joshua furthered his education at South Carolina State College (now South Carolina State University) earning a degree in Industrial Education.

On July 19, 1958, Joshua was married to the former Katherine Annette Crum of Rowesville, South Carolina. Upon receiving his degree, Joshua entered the workforce as an Industrial Education Teacher at Barnwell High School in Barnwell, South Carolina. After 1 year, he decided to work for himself and started what became known as Matthews Construction Company. In  business for more than 50 years, Matthews Construction Company was known throughout the county, state and the low country for its meticulous and dedicated work effort to the job at hand and the quality of product produced. Along with his love for construction, Joshua was also an avid farmer. A lifelong resident of Bowman, Joshua was deeply involved with his community. He was a member of the Bowman Branch of the NAACP and the 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 Board member, Board chair, Lay speaker, a member of the United Methodist Men and a member of the Senior choir.
He leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted wife of 63 years Katherine of Bowman,SC. Five children: Paquita Lynne (Victor) Wood of Mableton, GA, Jossena Bonita Matthews of Orangeburg, SC, Joshua Samuel (Andrea) Matthews of Bowman, SC, Kay Antoinette Matthews of Nashville, TN, and Tiffany Vashuna Matthews-Carter of Mableton, GA. Six grandchildren: Alexandria Victoria Matthews of Greer, SC, Dorian Sherard (Antoinette) Wood, M.D. of Dallas, TX, Darius Gerard Wood, J.D. of Atlanta, GA, Joshua Samuel Matthews, II of Orangeburg, SC, Victor Leon Wood, II of Mableton, GA, and Erin Tiara Carter of Mableton GA. Three great-grandchildren: Raegan E. Wood, Cairo G. Wood, and Cayden M. Wood. Two adopted grandchildren: Jocelyn Latrese Ellis and Jarvis Langston Ellis both of Savannah, GA. One sister: Bessie Moss of Orangeburg, SC. Three brothers: Roosevelt (Alma) Matthews of Bowman, SC, Booker T. Matthews of Jamaica, NY and Senator John W. (Mary) Matthews of Bowman, SC. One brother in law, Joseph Jackson of Rowesville, SC, a devoted caregiver, Ms. Sandra Mack and adopted son, Barry Smithzer, Jr. both of Orangeburg, SC and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

The service will proceed as follows:

The viewing will be held on Friday, July 9,2021 at Glover's Funeral Home from 1:00pm until 7:00pm.

The funeral will be held on Saturday, July 10,2021 at Glover's Funeral Home beginning at 11:00am. All those attending service must wear a mask and adhere to all COVID-19 rules and regulations. Service will be streamed live on our facebook page Glover's Funeral Home of Orangeburg.

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