Dorothy Virginia Matthews

November 17, 1940 – February 15, 2018

Services

Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Public Viewing: 2:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Nelson & Sons Chapel Murfreesboro
448 E. Burton St., Murfreesboro, TN

Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Family Visitation: 11:00 A.M.
Funeral Service: 12:00 Noon

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
762 Holly Grove Road
Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Interment
Evergreen Cemetery
Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Minister Dorothy Virginia Matthews affectionately known as Dottie, Ms. D, Mrs. Dorothy and The Corn Bread Queen was born November 17, 1940 to the late Rev. John Ira Rankins, Sr. and Izora Rankins Goodman.  She departed this life on February 15, 2018 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Rev. John Ira, Jr., Leroy, Wayne and Charles Rankins and sister Pearl Rankins.   She was also preceded by the love of her life Roosevelt Matthews.

Minister Matthews was educated in the Rutherford County School system.  Her passion was cooking, singing and preaching God’s word.  You could come to her home any time and get a good meal and she never let you leave empty handed.  She loved to sing especially with her family that she loved so very dear.

She professed a hope in Christ at an early age and as life continue on she became a willing vessel for God.  She spent her latter days as member of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Freddie B. Carpenter whom she loved very dearly.

Minister Matthews was a frequent speaker and panelist for the AASCU’s American Democracy Project at MTSU, which allowed for her to share her rich history and humble hospitality with students from all over.  She also was a member of the Willing Hearts of Bethel Baptist Church and The Caring and Sharing Group.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory two devoted children Patricia (Augusta) Hathaway and Larry Major (Dora) Jordan.  Four stepchildren Felicia (Larry) Coleman, Denise, DeWayne (Robbie), and Danny Matthews, sisters Martha Smith, Louise Smith and Christine Marable, brothers Rev. J. W. (Hattie), and Rev. Dallas Rankins, sister-in laws Hattie, and Amanda Rankins and Sadie Wade, aunt Queen Woods, 15 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren,3 great grandchildren along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousin and devoted friends.