Graveside services for Mrs. Willard M. Matthews, age 89 of Tatum, Texas will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday morning, October 6, 2006 at Tatum Cemetery with Trey Roberson officiating. Interment will follow the services under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home. Mrs. Matthews passed away on Wednesday morning, October 4, 2006 at her home in Tatum.

Willard Marguerite Williams Matthews was born on August 2, 1917 in the Harris Chapel Community in Panola County, Texas to Joe Bob and Evie Lee Oden Williams. Mrs. Matthews graduated from Tatum High School. She married Oliver William "O. W." Matthews on December 17, 1931 in Texarkana, Arkansas and together they celebrated over 74 years of marriage. Mrs. Matthews baked and sewed for her family and many others in the Tatum community for many years. She also worked as a teacher's aide in the Tatum School District for twelve years. Mrs. Matthews was preceded in death by her husband in June of 2006, two brothers, Wilmot Williams and Bill Williams; and a great-grandchild, Tomas Alvarez.

Mrs. Matthews is survived by four sons, Paul Matthews and wife Ouida of Longview, Richard Matthews of Tatum, Joe Matthews of Tatum, and Gus Matthews of Houston; five grandchildren, Carla Rodgers of Tatum, Paula Matthews of Longview, Jim Oliver Matthews of Tatum, Olivia Matthews of Dallas, and Pierce Matthews of Tatum; and five great-grandchildren.

If desired, memorials may be made to Heartsway Hospice, 1306 Pine Tree Road, Longview, Texas 75604.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.