Manie Viola Matthews, born on August 18, 1931, in Houston, TX, joined the Lord while surrounded by her family on Thursday, October 19, 2023. She lived a remarkable 92 years, those of which she would have undoubtedly exclaimed to be "so blessed!" as she was often heard saying.  It only makes sense that with such gratitude in her heart, she was called to dedicate herself to serving her community, church, and family.

Manie was the youngest of six children born to Manie Pearl Hardy Brown and Albert Baxter Brown. She was the type who knew what she wanted and had the ambition to realize her dreams. After graduating from Bay City High School in 1948, she furthered her education by attending business school in Houston. Thereafter, Manie Brown became Manie Matthews upon her marriage to Rodney Estel Matthews. Together, they worked devotedly, side by side, ranching and rice farming while also raising their family.

In 1974, Manie earned another outstanding achievement by receiving her bachelor's degree in special education from the University of Houston. She subsequently dedicated her career to education, serving as a special education teacher in Bay City ISD. After obtaining her master's degree, she worked as an educational diagnostician for Matagorda County Educational Services (MCES). Manie made a significant impact in Bay City ISD, Sweeny ISD, and Columbia-Brazoria ISD. Even after retirement she continued contract work with various school districts well into her seventies.

Manie was known not only as a teacher, but for her love of art, flowers, and nature. While ironically, she was quite afraid of birds, she loved having them around and invited purple martins onto her property to enjoy. In regard to nature, she would also warn her loved ones: "Don't feed the alligators!" Certainly, Manie was multifaceted. She was known to be a skilled seamstress and an ardent prayer warrior. Throughout her life, she remained a dedicated member of Cedar Lane Baptist Church, where she spent many years teaching a ladies' Sunday School class. She couldn't help but be a teacher in every way.

Manie lived a full life of love, education, and community service. Her memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Manie leaves, to delight in memories and to love and serve as she taught, her dear family, including her sons; Rodney, Gary Matthews, daughter; Nancy Brooker (Raymond), and daughter-in-law Dena Matthews. She also leaves behind numerous cherished grandchildren; Nancy Johnson, Alan Matthews (Marion), Katie Brown (Steve), Justin Brooker (Lauren), Mandi McKnight (Cory), and Mycah Rex (Levi). She was "Gigi" to her beloved great-grandchildren; Landen Hurley and Joshua Johnson; Simon, Benjamin Matthews; Liam Brooker and Sawyer Brown; Allie, Aubrey, Avery McKnight; and Birdie Brooker. She was also blessed with a wide circle of much-loved nieces and nephews.

Manie's life was made even more complete by special friends whom she held close to her heart; Helen Kassler, Mary Ashby, Hazel Clements, and Ava Daniels.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Manie Brown; father, Albert Brown; brother, Albert Brown; and sisters, Opal Martin, Ruby Viereck, Vernie Bowie, and Helen Clements.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 24 at 2:00 PM at Cedar Lane Baptist Church.  Funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM.  Interment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Justin Brooker, Steve Brown, Landen Hurley, Alan Matthews, Simon Matthews, Cory McKnight, and Levi Rex.  Honorary pallbearers are Roger Dement, Roger Clements, Don Ross.