In Loving Memory of Lucille Matthews

March 5, 1937 – April 5, 2026

Lucille Matthews, the beloved mother, sister, friend, and “Granny”, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026, at the age of 89. She left this world just as she lived within it, surrounded by the deep, abiding love of the family she spent a lifetime nurturing.

Born on March 5, 1937, to Hugh and Ila Green, Lucille grew up with the resilient spirit of the community she called home. In 1955, she graduated from Kenedy high school and married the love of her life, James Matthews. Their nearly 70-year union was a beautiful testament to lifetime devotion and a true partnership built on faith. Together, they cultivated more than just their community, they also grew a legacy of love that now spans four generations.

Throughout her life, Lucille held many roles, but she was most recently known for her dedicated service as a Justice of the Peace and Municipal Judge. Her commitment to fairness, integrity, and service left a lasting impact on all of those she served. Her civic pride was etched into the very earth of her hometown as a founder of the beautiful Kenedy Park, a place of peace that will serve as a lasting tribute to her vision for future generations.

Above all, Lucille was the cornerstone of her family. She was the keeper of stories, the dispenser of wisdom, and a source of unconditional warmth. Whether she was tending to her community or welcoming the newest of her 22 great-grandchildren, she did so with a grace that was uniquely hers.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, William and Walter Green; her sister, Virginia Copeland; her son, James Matthews; and her son-in-law, Fred Garcia.

Lucille’s spirit lives on through her daughters, Sandy Garcia, Virginia Holt, and Sharon Hendricks. She remains the cherished “Granny” to her grandchildren: Lauren and Chris Shelton, Josh and Alicia Matthews, Justin and Mary Matthews, Cody Matthews, Cassidy Garcia, JJ and Elizabeth Garcia, Nicholas and Kara Garcia, Matthew Smith, Marc and Alyssa Smith, Rebeca and Dustin Beard, and Maverick and Katherine Hendrix. Her legacy continues to bloom in her 22 great-grandchildren, with two more precious lives soon to join the family she loved so dearly.

Lucille Matthews was a woman of faith, a woman of her community, but most importantly, she was a woman of profound love. She will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and never forgotten.

Visitation will be held  Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 6PM to 8PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Services will be Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 10AM in the Eckols Funeral Home chapel with Pastor Pat Traxler officiating.  Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Josh Matthews, Justin Matthews, Cassidy Garcia, JJ Garcia, Nicholas Garcia, Matthew Smith, Marc Smith, Maverick Hendrix

Reception: The Matthews family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the prayers, love, and support shown during this time. Please join the family for a reception and a time of sharing memories at the First Baptist Church immediately following the burial.

First Baptist Church 209 E School Street, Kenedy, TX 78119