Martha Goode Matthews

Martha Goode Matthews

"Lil Sister"

Let not your hearts be troubled....my God has prepared a place for me. There are many mansions and Heaven is now my home.

Martha Goode Matthews was born on June 12, 1920, in Coy, AL, to the union of the late Robert Goode and Laura Dortch Goode. She was the last of nine children, all of whom preceded her in death.

She was as a lifelong member of Tait’s Chapel A.M.E. Church, where she served as a Stewardess, an Usher, Missionary, Choir member and wherever needed, not only in the building – she was a true laborer in the vineyard.  She remained a faithful member until her health declined during her later years, when the Lord saw fit for her to sit down and rest for a while. Mrs. Matthews lived a long and memorable life. She enjoyed the simplicities of family love and good friends while making an honest living working on the farm. She later worked as a Cafeteria Manger for the Wilcox County Board of Education (Taits Chapel School) in the Coy community.

She met and married Stratman Kelsaw and this union brought about the love of six children. After twenty-seven years of marriage, he preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents and the following husbands: Sampson Perryman, and Tallo Matthews, who she was a devoted wife and caregiver for each one; two children: Sarah Kelsaw and Albert Kelsaw; one step daughter: Louise Robinson; a grandson: Shadrick; and three great grandchildren: Cameron, Brandon and Shacarra.

On July 1, 2019, while at home with those she loved, the Matriarch of the Goode family answered the Master’s call. She gently placed her hand in her Savior’s, leaving behind her earthly body and entering into her mansion, prepared for her in her Heavenly home. She leaves a Legacy of Godly wisdom, courage, and love to; one son: John (Teaster) Kelsaw of Coy, AL; three daughters: Carrie Abernathy of Ft. Wayne, IN, Anne (John) Matthews of Camden, AL, and Autherine Brooks of Coy, AL; one step-daughter: Louise Robinson; a step-son: Rev. Darryl (Jennifer) Perryman of Camden, AL and Melvin Perryman of Birmingham, AL; twenty-three devoted  grandchildren, thirty-three special great-grandchildren, twelve special great great-grandchildren, two sisters-in-law: Mary Kelsaw and Marcella Kelsaw both of Ft. Wayne, IN; many loving nieces and nephews, cousins and friends