Kenneth Matthews

Kenneth Matthews

October 7, 1939 – October 14, 2023

Kenneth Matthews was born on October 7, 1939, in Baltimore, Maryland, to William Fletcher and Genevieve Jones Matthews. He was the oldest of sixteen siblings and graduated from Baltimore’s Douglass High School in 1957.

At the age of seventeen, Kenneth was drawn to the military and enlisted in the Air Force. He had a successful career traveling the world for twelve years.

In 1968, he left the armed forces and started his career with the US Postal Service. After numerous promotions, he successfully achieved the status of Postal Manager for several stations in the Omaha area.

Kenneth was baptized in Jesus’ Name as a child raised in the First Apostolic Faith Church in Baltimore, and in 1968, was filled with the Holy Ghost under the leadership of Elder James Foster.

On July 22, 1961, Kenneth met and married his life partner, Betty Jean (Hill) Matthews. Out of this union, two children, a girl and a boy, were born. Kenneth led a life full of faith and service and was a strong example for his children. He was a fervent student, teacher, and preacher of the word of God, which he lived.

Kenneth has been a faithful and dedicated servant of the Lord, taking on various ministry and leadership roles.  He was a fiery minister and teacher of the gospel and has mentored many in their walk with the Lord. He was elevated to Assistant Pastor and served under Bishop Nelson Turner for many years until he moved his ministry to Aurora, Colorado. Throughout his ministry, he remained a passionate advocate for Sunday School programs and has served as Sunday School Superintendent in the Tri-state Council of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW).

In Aurora, he founded the Bethlehem Apostolic Church and, later transitioned leadership to Bishop Jeffrey Clint Senior. Kenneth was a staunch supporter of this ministry until he returned to Omaha in 2020 and once again assumed the role of preacher, teacher, leader, mentor, and servant in GBT under Bishop Calvin J. Gould Sr.

Kenneth transitioned from this life on October 14, 2023. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Betty J Matthews; mother, Genevieve Matthews; son, Kenneth Todd Matthews (Nicole); daughter, Michelle Matthews Ryan (Joseph); brothers: Noble Matthews, Lamont Matthews (Patricia), and Bryan Matthews; sisters: Phyllis Geddie (David), Eulalia Willoughby (Bobbie), Charlene Smalls, Wilma Jeter (Sonny), Sharice-Renee Matthews, Marlene Price, Carla Matthews; four grandchildren: Kendyll Ryan, Joseph Ryan II, Dillon Rose, Kenzie Matthews; and a host of relatives and friends.

VISITATION: Monday, October 23, 2023, 6-8 p.m. at the West Center Chapel. FUNERAL SERVICE: Tuesday, October 24, 2023, 10 a.m., Greater Beth-el Temple, 1502 N 52nd St. followed by INTERMENT with Military Honors: 12:30 p.m., Omaha National Cemetery, 14250 Schram Rd. To view a live broadcast of the Service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.