Charlene Matthews

Charlene Matthews, 74, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 27th, 2023 at Winthrop Hospital in Mineola, New York, after a brief but valiant battle with cancer. She was born on January 6th, 1949, at Harlem Hospital in NY and was the youngest daughter of the late Thomas Royal and Geraldine Standford Woods. Despite contracting polio at an early age, Charlene led an extraordinary life filled with a loving family, successful career and a lasting legacy. Her determined nature never allowed her disability to hinder her pursuit of any of her goals, achievements, and adventures. While her parents and siblings resided in Harlem, Charlene attended schools in St. Petersburg, Florida and lived with her maternal grandmother, Queen Miller, who provided care and support during her recovery from polio. She remained with her grandmother until the age of 10 when she reunited with her siblings and parents in Harlem, NY. Years later, the entire family relocated from Harlem to St. Albans, Queens, where Charlene graduated from Andrew Jackson High School before receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Adelphi University. In 1968, she married her late husband and soul mate, Clifford Matthews, and together they built a beautiful and joyful home on Long Island, NY. From their union, two daughters, April and Erika were born. In 1979, Charlene began her career with the Freeport, NY school district, and in 1987, she embarked on a fruitful journey with the Department of Social Services, where she dedicated 26 years of service before retiring. Charlene enjoyed traveling, knitting, socializing with friends, finding great bargains, attending Broadway plays, cooking, creating ceramics and gardening. Her greatest achievements, however, was cultivating a loving and harmonious environment at home for her family and friends. To all who had the pleasure of meeting her, Charlene was known for her pleasant demeanor, politeness, friendliness, consideration, thoughtfulness, and professionalism. For those fortunate enough to truly know her, they will remember her infectious laugh, warm and caring nature, spirited humor, dependable and reliable character, as well as her nurturing and loving disposition. She was preceded in death by her late husband, Clifford Matthews, and her late brother, Gary “Butch” Royal. Left behind to cherish her memory are her two daughters, April Matthews-Correia (Joao) and Erika Matthews; her sister Thomacita Hill, nieces and nephews Shereen Osbourne, Elwood Hill (Lynsey), Tiffany Hill, Gary Royal, Kristal Williams, granddaughters Kayla Correia, Anaiya Matthews-Correia, Linsey Matthews-Correia, Jurnee’ Matthews-Speller, great nieces and nephews, Ayanna Pace, Karter Williams,Trey Hill along with a host of family and friends.

Charlene Matthews

January 6, 1949 - May 27, 2023