The Obituary of a 92 year Journey I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith: 2 Timothy 4:7 Anna Clifford Simmons Matthews was born on January 9, 1926 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Edward and Carrie Simmons. Anna was the third youngest of eight children. Anna attended Cincinnati Public Schools. Anna was a graduate of Old Woodward High School. She was joined in Holy Matrimony to Joseph Matthews and this union was blessed with three children: Sandra Matthews Douthit, Vincent Matthews, and Joseph Matthews, Jr. Anna worked at Rollman's Department store while attending printing school and became a professional printer. After graduating from printing school she worked at her father's store as a manager. She then worked at the YMCA employed as a professional printer. Later, she worked at the Hamilton County Library as a department supervisor retiring in 1986 after 25 years of service. Anna was a longtime member of Southern Baptist Church where she served as a president of Pastor Aides, Sharon Rose Missionary and Senior Usher Board. In later years she joined Golden Leaf Baptist Church where she attended until her health failed. Anna was instrumental in the National Federation of Color Women club and received a Golden Girl award in 2002 for her contributions and commitment of service of forty years. She was one of the co-founders of the Silver Stars Junior Federated club. Also, she was the president of Silver Stars club. She took part in numerous clubs such as the "Lavaliers, Vivacious Ladies, Cosmopolitan club, Urban League of Greater Cincinnati and Central State Mother's Club. Anna loved traveling with her husband and daughter throughout the United States and cruising outside the USA. She was an avid bowler and bowled with many leagues. She especially enjoyed bowling with her husband, daughter and son-in-law. They were known as the Guys & Dolls. Anna was preceded in death by her father and mother, her brothers, Edward, Robert and Jimmy and sisters, Mary, Juanita and Veronica. Anna departed this life June 18, 2018 to go to a better home where there is everlasting peace and love where there is no pain and no suffering. Anna leaves to cherish her memory: her husband of 71 years, Joseph Matthews; daughter, Sandra (Thomas) Douthit; sons, Vincent (Romona) Matthews and Joseph Matthews, Jr.; one sister, Martha Marie (Norman) Miller. She leaves a rich heritage in 11 grandchildren, Tracia (Tony), Stacia (Tim), Thomas (Amy), Saundra (Antoine), Trina (Davidson), Vinnease, Vincent, Reggie, Dante, Austin and Crystal. She is remembered with love by 25 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She will be remembered with love and gratitude for the wisdom she imparted, the work ethic she embodied, and the example of love for her family. Anna cherished her family and continuously demonstrated her love as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She always gave advice and handed money out. She was affectionately known as Big Mother Dear to all her grandchildren. Reflections: Thank you for being more than a mom to me you were my teacher, my healer, my comforter and my best friend. You taught me good values. You were the first to teach me about God and that God is always accessible to me. Even when you lost your sight you did not give up on life it made you stronger. You have given me the strength I need to go on without you. Mom, I will be with you again but for now "see you later alligator" and as you always replied back "after while crocodile". Your daughter, Sandi. Mom, you touched so many lives in such a positive way. To know you was to love you. Your son, Vincent I love you, I miss you, and you will always be with me. Your son, Joe. Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on Monday, June 25, 2018, at the Golden Leaf Baptist, 5910 Argus Road, Cincinnati (45224). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Walnut Hills Cemetery, 3117 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206. To share a memory of Anna or leave a special message for the Matthews family, please click the Share Button below. Walker Funeral Home, 3939 Reading Road (corner of Reading and Paddock) is serving the Matthews family. Please call (513) 251-6200 or visit www.WalkerFuneralHome.com for additional information.

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