Artena McCallister Matthews, 87, of Sod went home to be with the Lord Saturday, November 22, 2008 at home after a long illness.
She was the daughter of the late, Thomas & Alice McCallister, born May 4, 1921 at Tango, WV, the youngest of 10 children.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, John A. Matthews, nine brothers & sisters: Arnold, Dewey, Vaden, Bennie, Georgia, Nellie, Lawrence, Garner & Dessie; grandson, Bill Huffman and nephew Leo McCallister.
Artena became a Christian on January 8, 1936 and was a member of Cobbs Creek Missionary Baptist Church over 63 years where she directed Vacation Bible School for many years. She loved church work and teaching Sunday School. She served as president of the P.T.A, and also the Coal River Baptist Association for 4 years, was a member of the Home Makers Club. During WWII while John was in the service, she worked in the defense plant at the South Charleston Naval Ordinance Center.
She is survived by her daughter: Brenda Sue (Pete) Huffman of Sod;
Son: John D. (Nancy) Matthews of Alum Creek;
3 Grandchildren: Tina Marie Humphries
Jonathan Lee & wife, Anna Matthews
Michelle Lee Matthews
2 Great Grandchildren: Elijah Huffman, Hayley Humphries & Jonathan Matthews
2 Great Great Grandchildren: Makala & Josey Huffman
Funeral Service will be 3:00 pm Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at Cobbs Creek Missionary Baptist Church, Sod, with Pastor Mike Kordusky, and her nephews, Pastors’ Richard and Larry McCallister officiating. Burial will be in Orchard Hills Memory Gardens. Friends may call from 6 to 8 PM Tuesday at the church and also 1 hour prior to the funeral service on Wednesday.
Services in care of Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, WV.