Obituary of Judge Matthews

MARION, VIRGINIA: JUDGE J. AUBREY MATTHEWS, age 86, passed away Thursday, October 18, 2007 in Smyth County Community Hospital. Born April 18, 1921 in Brunswick County, Virginia, he was the son of the late J. Edward and Patty Sue Matthews. Judge Matthews received both his undergraduate and law degrees from Washington and Lee University. This education was separated by his Naval service in the 88th SeaBees Battalion during the South Pacific campaign of World War II. He practiced general law in Marion, Virginia, from 1948 to 1965, during which time he also served four years as Smyth County's Commonwealth Attorney. He was appointed to the 28th Circuit Court bench in 1965, and served until his retirement in 1986. He was the only Smyth Countian to be appointed as a Circuit Court Judge in the twentieth century. Judge Matthews, an active member of the First United Methodist Church, served there in many capacities, yet is best remembered for teaching the Youth Sunday School Class for over 40 years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, James E. Matthews Jr. and Dr. C. Arnold Matthews. He was also preceded by his first wife of 42 years, Helen DeBusk Matthews. Judge Matthews is survived by his wife, Laura Buchanan Matthews of Marion, Virginia. He is also survived by one son, Joseph A. Matthews, Jr. and wife Rita of Roanoke, Virginia; three daughters, Nancy Brewster and husband, David of Wadsworth, Ohio, Sally Bryant and husband, Don of Tallahassee, Florida, and Sue Matthews of Decatur, Georgia. In addition, he is survived by one step-daughter, Betsy Bossaer and husband, Greg; three step-sons, Robert Hays and wife, JoAn, George Hays and wife, Tami, and David Hays and wife, Lori. He also has a surviving sister, Frances M. Clarke. Also surviving are grandchildren, Whitney (and Joseph) Ramseur, Ashley (and Tanner) Shilling, Bradley (and Michael) McLeod, Brenna (and Bruce) Thibault, Lauren (and Michael) Ross, and Jerry Bryant, Matthew Bryant, Helen Tyler Bryant, and Monna Lea Bryant. In addition "Judgie" is survived by five great-grandchildren and nine step-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 21, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Marion, Virginia, with the Rev. Jeff Lambert and Dr. Fred Austin officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery, Marion, Virginia. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 115 South Church Street, Marion, Virginia 24354, or to a charity of your choice. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Matthews family.