Charles Linden Matthews, Jr., was born on September 29, 1934, in Matthew GA, to proud parents of Margaret LaFavor and Charles Linden Matthews Sr. He passed this life of pain and suffering to a place of peace Monday, April 27th, 2015 at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, Jamaica, NY.

He was the eldest of three siblings, one whom preceded him in death, his sister Bessie Matthews. He attended and graduated from Jefferson High School in Brooklyn, NY. He also continued his adult education by going to a Vocational school for mechanics (auto) and also completing a course in writing.

Shortly after working a series of odds jobs, he applied and was accepted to work at the MTA. Just as he was about to start working for them, he received the calling from Uncle Sam. Charles became part of the “Draft System” and served the Army for two years. After completing his term, he left the service with an “Honorable Discharge.” Upon, returning to civilian life, he was able to continue working for the MTA, where he stayed the course for 28 years. He started from the bottom as a porter, worked his way up to “Railroad Clerk” and finished his career with a promotion as a “Supervisor.” He enjoyed his retirement or as he would call his “life of leisure,” for 30 long years. He traveled, loved to read and enjoyed having grand debates. He loved discussing history or current events. He loved watching television and catching up on shows he missed while out doing chores. At one point in his life, he was a true Met fan - but that was back in the day. He was always out front sweeping and keeping things in order. He enjoyed his home of “peace” on this earth.

Charles met and made sure he had the right mate for himself and Dellie Davis was the one that was chosen. They made a commitment to each other and were married on July 15, 1977 right after New York’s biggest blackout at that time. Vowing to honor each other “until death do us part,” for 38 years, 9 months and 15 days. They were joined together with there blended and extended family, 1 son – Sean Boone, 2 daughters – Seanette Boone and baby girl - Natalie J. DeVore, 3 grandsons - Donovan N. Ortiz (aka Donnie) whom preceded him in death and 3 great grand sons. They also had, 1 godson - Donnie Xavier Virgil and 1 Goddaughter – Tamara Dawn Thomas.

Loving the simple but yet finer things in life, Charles lead a simple but quality life. He was dedicated to his family and made sure they were provided for. He refused handouts and always went by his mottos, “work hard for what you want” and “if I can do it, so can you.” He loved his President Obama, for he voted for him twice and used him by way of example of his statement, “Yes, we can.”

Charles was exceptionally proud of his accomplishments – which were many. He grew up on the famous “Bainbridge Street” of Brooklyn, where he often talked about the joyous times he spent there. He loved telling the story about his mother sending him to Sunday school. Instead of going to the church, he would go to his Auntie’s house and stay there until he saw the people coming out of the building and then he would go home.

Leaving to cherish his memories are his loving and understanding wife, Dellie Davis-Matthews, His daughter, Natalie J. DeVore. His brother William Matthews “aka Bill,” (Loretta) of Maplewoods, NJ. His special niece and nephews: Karen, Billy and Patrick. There were a host of cousins, especially his favorite ones, Henry LaFavor (NYC) and Leroy LaFavor (Baltimore, MD). He also leaves his brother in-laws: Albert Davis Jr. (Pablo, CA.), Rev. Clayton Davis Sr. (Thomasville, AL), Deacon Lessie Davis (Jeane) of Melbourne, Fl. and Roy E. Davis (Eight Mile, Al). His sister in-laws: Virginia L. Davis (Eight Mile, Al.), Daisy Davis-Credle (Thomas) of Laurelton, NY, and Elsie Davis Virgil (Greenboro, NC). Also, his caring neighbors: Welch and Tyrone.

Charles was a loving husband, caring father and grandfather. His family and friends loved and accepted him, as he would often say “he’s just keeping it real.” He will be missed, for he was truly a unique person.

Lovingly submitted, may you rest in peace.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles Linden Matthews Jr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.