Theresa A. Matthews was born May 4, 1948, daughter of the late Lester Chevis and Mary Louise Espree Chevis. She was born in Church Point, Louisiana.

She attended elementary and middle school in Bellevue, Louisiana. The family eventually moved from Bellevue, Louisiana to Opelousas, Louisiana, where she continued her schooling and graduated from J.S. Clark High School in 1965.

On December 5, 1967, Theresa gave birth to her son, Richard A. Allen. She described the feeling of seeing him for the first time as being "instantly in love."

Theresa later met the love of her life, Samuel E. Matthews, in 1985. They were wed on December 9, 1986 and remained married until her demise.

Theresa always had an interest in law. That interest fueled a desire to become a paralegal. After receiving her paralegal certification, she landed her "dream job" with the US Probation Office in downtown Houston. She remained employed there until her retirement in 2013.

Theresa was very active in retirement. In addition to loving on her grandkids and great grandkids, she served as HOA President of her resident townhome community, Brays Forest Townhomes for eight years. She also was a dedicated volunteer with the Greater Houston Food Bank for nearly 14 years.

Theresa was an excellent cook. She expressed her love through cooking. She took great pride in it. She was quite clever at bringing the family together with the promise of making her famous okra gumbo.

Theresa (and her husband Sam) became members of Southwest Community Christian Church, The Bridge in 2023. Prior to transferring their membership to The Bridge, they were members of Silverlake Church in Pearland, Texas for ten years, where Theresa served on the Greeters Ministry.

To carry on her legacy of love is her loving husband, Samuel E. Matthews; son, Richard A. Allen; brother, Robert L. Chavis of Houston, Texas; three sisters, Geraldine Baker of Houston, Texas, Betty Chevis of Moorhead, Minnesota and Deborah Saddler of Pearland, Texas; two grandchildren, Jamele Allen and Jiah Howard; three great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Special Mention

In loving recognition of Calvin Revis whom she cherished as a son. Though not bound by blood, their bond was one of true family rooted in love, loyalty, and joy. He held a very special place in her heart.

Mrs. Matthews was preceded in death by her son Baby Kevin Troy Allen; her parents, Mary and Lester Chevis; brother John Steven Chavis; nephew, Anthony Ardoin; niece, Baby Courtney A. Landor; brother-in-law, Milton Charles Baker and sister-in-law, Betty Jean Chavis. Mrs. Matthews also was preceded in death by her paternal and maternal grandparents.

“To be absent from the body is to

be present with the Lord.”

(2 Cor. 5:8)