We are saying goodbye to our treasured Virginia Jarrett Matthews.  She quietly passed on Sunday, February 5, 2023.  Her journey of 99 years began on December 6, 1923 to her parents, Carl and Nellie Jarrett.  Starting at the age of 16, Virginia worked for over 60 years as a housekeeper for the Nicholson Family.  She became a beloved second mother, helping to raise six Nicholson children. The Nicholson's characterized her as an amazing and kind woman, as well as a fantastic cook.  Following her time with the Nicholson Family, Virginia worked in the Housekeeping Department at Novant Health-Forsyth Medical Center for over 15 years.  Because of her sweet and inviting manner, many visitors looked forward to seeing her in the lobby.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph A. Matthews; her siblings, Mary Elizabeth Jarrett and Carl Jarrett, Jr.; and her grandniece, Chiquita Coleman.

She is survived by her devoted son, Curtis E. (Brenda) Jarrett; grandson, Cory D. (Kimberly) Jarrett; her faithful niece, Sterling J. (Jessie) Smith of Chesapeake, VA; grandnieces and grandnephews, Manita (Lenn) McLaughlin of Greensboro, NC, Marvetta (Terrance) Brass of Rocklin, CA, and Renaldo (Crystal) West of Quacker Town, PA. Words cannot describe how much grandniece and her husband, Valerie and Victor Rucker of Winston-Salem, NC meant to Gin.  They both loved her, doted on her, spoiled her, and took her everywhere.  The family is very grateful to them for helping make Mrs. Matthews feel extra special.  Virginia also leaves a host of caring great-nieces, great-grand nieces, great-great-nephews, and friends.  Virginia Matthews had no great-grandchildren but was blessed with Cory and Kim's 3 great-grand dogs, whom she never missed a chance to spoil.

Virginia was a calm, strong, and determined Christian woman. Even following the stroke, at age 94, she continued to run her own household, cook, and clean. As a member of Goler Memorial AME, she served on various committees, however her pride was being an usher for many, many years.  When entering the church, guided by her green walker, she was always stylish and ready to praise the Lord.  Gin delighted in looking fashionable; she shopped at the mall searching for just the right outfit.  Virginia loved chic clothing and her sense of style was impeccable.  Mrs. Matthews was also known for her famous yeast rolls and pecan tarts.  With over 25 instruction sessions, Gin felt that Brenda (her daughter-in-law), had finally mastered the secret of her pecan tarts.  That's because Brenda had learned to make them exactly "Virginia's Way." To her death, Virginia gave advise to Curtis (son, 80) and Sterling (niece, 81) kind of telling them what to do.  Neither time, occasion, nor stroke could hinder Gin from passing on a little motherly wisdom.  She was a wise woman, unafraid to speak her mind.

Throughout her 99 years, Virginia impacted everyone she touched with a smile, a loving spirit, kindness, true compassion, and a Godly disposition.  Friends and family all thank God for allowing her to be in so many lives.  Virginia Matthews will be sadly missed, but we rejoice knowing she is in the arms of the Master, God Almighty.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at Goler AME Zion Church, 3894 Northampton Drive W-S, NC 27105 with Reverend Dr. George Banks officiating.  Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 11:30am until 12noon on Wednesday at the Church.