Ruth Hammond Matthews

The Legacy of Ruth Hammond Matthews

Ruth Hammond Matthews, affectionately called “Lo”, “Yo”, “Mymy”, Auntie Lo, Grandma, Teacher, Ruth, Sister Matthews, Ms. Ruth or Ms. Matthews, was a native of Hammond, Louisiana.  She was born to the late Daniel and Ruth Hammond on October 20, 1932, and was the first-born of thirteen children whom she helped care for, raise, and yes...protect. 

As a young adult, Ruth was married to the late John Henry Matthews II, and to this union she bore six beautiful and unique children; John Henry III, Linda Joyce, Melvin Leonard, Ronald Leonard, Jacqueline Deloris and Stephanie Joy.  Years later, Ruth and her husband separated, and she was left to raise her six children as a single parent. During that time, Ruth was a housekeeper and nanny, and had to walk to work every day come rain, snow or high waters. Ruth did this for many years until she was financially able to purchase a car to get her family to and fro.  And it was not long after that she, by the grace of God, was able to rent a home on Magazine Street which started a new chapter in her life. A chapter filled with a bright future of excitement, ministry, and starting a relationship with Christ.

After taking classes in childcare, Ms. Ruth left her housekeeping and nanny job to work for Emmanuel Seventh-day Adventist Church Daycare in Hammond, Louisiana as a teacher.  It was not long after she received her childcare Director’s Certificate that she soon became the Director of the said mentioned Daycare. Ms. Ruth was a loving and caring director/teacher who worked diligently five days a week to teach and train children from her church and surrounding community.  Everybody knew Ms. Ruth as an excellent educator who ruled with an “iron fist” but with love and compassion for every single child for 39 years. When school closed for the year, Ms. Ruth would work in various Nursing Homes. She was a very sympathetic Nurse’s Aide who provided care and compassion to the residents.

Sister Matthews had a “green thumb” when it came to growing flowers and plants.  She could grow anything, and wherever she lived or worked, one would always see plants and flowers in her surroundings.  Her hobbies included sewing, cooking, caring for the elderly and teaching.  Many can attest to the fact that Sister Matthews was known for her good cooking - especially her red beans and rice! Nobody made red beans and rice like Sister Matthews. And when there was a gathering at the church or other family or community events, many looked for her tasty and delicious red beans and rice to be on the menu. Her 7up cakes were out of this world too!!! 

As a childcare director/teacher, Ms. Matthews was given many tasks to complete. And being the professional and hardworking person she was, each task was given 110 percent and the outcome was laced with a touch of love, care, thoroughness and professionalism. Although tough and strict, the job always got done! Ms. Matthews was highly respected by many of her students, parents, church members and community affiliates.

Auntie Lo was a classy lady who would dressed down at work, but definitely knew how to dress for the “occasion.” And let us not forget those beautiful designer hats she knew how to wear with style. You see, Auntie Lo had all sorts of hats, and those who knew her, knew not to get too close to them…just ask Kendall.   

Living a luxurious life was out of the picture for Lo and her children, however, she made sure that there was food on the table, clothes on her children’s backs and a roof over their heads.  And most importantly, Lo made sure that her children had a warm and cheery Christmas with nice gifts and delicious food every year. She loved her children, and just recently, while on her sick bed, Lo stated to Jacqueline that “all my children are my favorite.”

During Sister Matthews’s early years of life as a young adult, she did not attend church on a regular basis, but she always made sure her children were in church, even if they pretended to be sick or could not find their shoes.  However, one day, Sister Matthews gave her heart to the Lord, and became a faithful and pious member of Emmanuel Seventh-day Adventist Church where she remained faithful and active until she took her last breath here on earth on May 23, 2016 at 12:23 PM.  That new chapter was completed.  She fought a good fight and finished her course, and now her crown of righteousness awaits her. May the WORK she did…Speak!

Ruth Hammond Matthews was preceded in death by her children’s father~John Henry II; sons~John Henry III and Ronald Leonard; parents~Daniel and Ruth Warren Hammond; brothers~Daniel Jr. and Lionel Sr.; granddaughter Michelle; grandson~Michael Darrell; and one son-in-law~Blanches.  She leaves to cherish her memories her children; Linda, Melvin, Jacqueline (Brent) and Stephanie; her grandsons she loved and raised~Reginald Sr., Reginald Jr. and RegShard; her handsome “boys”~Kendall, Jamar, Chris and Kelvin; brothers~Alvin (Leona) and Benjamin (Rosetta); sisters~Dorothy (Raymond),  Ada (James), Ethel (James), Florence, Elaine, Barbara (Rusty), Alice and Jerry; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ms. Matthews was an awesome, classy and hardworking child of God who now rests in Jesus awaiting His second return. May we remain faithful until we meet her again.   RIP

Emmanuel Alumni Association

​Please visit www.emmanuelalumniassociation.com to donate to the special project in honor of Ruth H. Matthews which will help her legacy to live on in the lives of many.  Thanks in advance - Linda, Melvin, Jacqueline & Stephanie

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth Hammond Matthews, please visit our floral store.