Deborah Ann Cotlon Matthews

Celebration of the life of Deborah Ann Matthews

Deborah was born in New Orleans, LA on August 6, 1957 to Frank and Aline Cotlon.  She grew up with her 13 siblings of whom she was the baby girl.  In 1976, she met her future husband, Richard Matthews III, who played trombone in a local funk band.  It was love at first sight and they were later married in Junction City, KS in January 1979.  She spent the following 12 years supporting her military husband and was fully devoted to raising her sons, Wallace and Lionel.  She was blessed and fortunate in her travels and lived in various states throughout the U.S., including three years in Anchorage, Alaska, and even spent 6 years abroad in Wurzburg, Germany.  She possessed an incredible zeal for life and found tremendous joy in her children, her husband, her extended family and in traveling the globe.  She was quick to snap a pic, had a passion for fashion, and with regard to the New Orleans Saints… a bigger fan there ain’t!  These are the things that brought a smile to her face and she wore that smile even as she was welcomed into the arms of the Lord on Wednesday, March 28, 2018.

Deborah was preceded in death by her mother, Aline Cotlon; father, Frank Cotlon; brothers, Joseph and Wallace Cotlon, Lester and Anthony Powell and sister, Joyce Powell. She is survived by her husband, Richard Matthews III; sons, Wallace Powell and Lionel Matthews; brothers, Preston and Frankie Powell; sisters, Lucille Gordon, Lillie Cotlon-Gettridge, Dorothy Fields, Helen Reece, Rosemary Coleman and Theresa Smith; Aunt Hazel Stewart; grandsons, Lionel Jr. and Xavier Matthews and Isaiah Powell.  Her nieces and nephews are far too numerous to count but rest assured, she had more than enough love to cover them all.

Deborah served faithfully as a member of Church of Transformation FGBC pastored by Ernest J. Arthur.  Though she will be truly missed, it is abundantly clear that her memory and legacy will flourish indefinitely, whereas she may rest in peace.

The family would like to express warm and sincere regards and gratitude to everyone who has shown love and support during this time of bereavement.

A memorial service will be held to honor and celebrate Deborah on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at 12:00 PM at Church of Transformation Full Gospel Baptist Church, 308 N. 5th St., Leesville, LA  71446.  Repass to follow at this same location.