11

Dear Friends and Schoolmates,
The sad news continues to arrive, but this time it comes as quite a shock.

Edna Johnson Matthews, Class of 1964, and sister of Audrey Johnson Trinkle ('69) of VA, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 in Newport News at the age of 62.

Friday, November 14, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Edna was a high school classmate and a hoot. She and Bonnie were always full of antics. May all the wonderful memories bring joy to you in the days ahead.

—Cookie Tyndall, Seaford, Virginia

Friday, November 14, 2008

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I haven't seen Edna in many years but she was always a special person.
Glenda Turner Nichols

—Glenda Nichols, Laurel, Maryland Contact Me

Friday, November 14, 2008

I love you, Mama.

—Amy Matthews Brock, Yorktown, Virginia Contact Me

Friday, November 14, 2008

I worked with Edna for years at the Behavioral Health, she was a marvelous nurse and a wonderful dedicated employee/coworker. May God Bless your family at this difficult time.
Rinda Keck .

—Rinda Keck, Poquoson, Virginia Contact Me

Friday, November 14, 2008

I have many fond memories of Edna, especially performing in plays with her at NNHS. She was a wonderfully happy person and you just couldn't be around her and not be happier for the experience. My sincere condolences to her family and to her close childhood friend, Bonnie Watson. These friends were like two peas in a pod; usually where you saw one you saw the other. Fondly, Nancy (Mitchell NNHS 64) and Billy Wynne (NNHS 63)

—Nancy Wynne, Middletown, Maryland Contact Me

Friday, November 14, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I have known Edna since elementary school days. I have many happy memories of those days. She had the greatest smile and sweetest demeanor and it was a pleasure to see her at our high school reunion. She was a blessing to my life and I know to you who loved her best. That, of course, includes Bonnie. You can't think of one without the other.

—Jeanette (Parrish) Houston, Richmond, Virginia Contact Me

Friday, November 14, 2008

Dear Dennis, Amy and Audrey Lee,
Please accept my Deepest Sympathy on the loss of Edna. I don't know when I have been so shocked. I first remember Edna at Jackson Elementary School and our years in Sunday School at Noland Methodist. She always wore a smile. I will always remember the kindness she has shown my family over the years. She will be missed by many who loved her.

—Linda L. Lane, Williamsburg, Virginia

Friday, November 14, 2008

Edna was a delight to work with at Peninsula Hospital. That bright smile lit up and cheered patients and staff alike. She had such a twinkle in her eyes and I loved being around her. I am so sorry for the loss, especially for her family, but I know they will always be sustained by the deep love she had for each of them.

—Judy Hogg, Williamsburg, Virginia Contact Me

Friday, November 14, 2008

I am so sorry to hear about Edna. We went to NNHS together and with Bonnie, Donna, Suzanne and many others managed to have a wonderful time-always. I have many dear memories--listening to Roy Orbison records at her house, SLT shenanigans, the whole group going to see Westside Story (in Bonnie's old green car--the Green Hornet?) at the drive-in and singing every song at the top of our lungs (I'm sure the "date" couples were not amused), and her infectious laugh-I can hear it right now. Love you Edna!

—Jo Ann Stewart, Oakton, Virginia Contact Me

Friday, November 14, 2008

I worked with Edna for over 10 years at Peninsula Behavioral Center. She was a true source of light and wisdom for the patient/families as well as her coworkers. I will miss her keen sense of humor and the wonderful, warm smile. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Just know that there is a new shining star in heaven who will continue to shine and show the way to all of us.

—Myra Smith, Newport News, Virginia

Friday, November 14, 2008

Edna Matthews is a hero. She absolutely saved my life and lives of many others. She will never be forgotten. At a time in my life when I was without hope, she opened her heart and her home to me. For that I will be forever grateful. My sincere condolences to you who I know she cherished, Dennis and Amy.

—Stephanie Loebs, Williamsburg, Virginia Contact Me

Saturday, November 15, 2008

I worked with Edna at Riverside Behavioral Health Center. She was always a very pleasant, sweet and caring lady to be around and she will be missed greatly. All of my condolences go to her friends and family.

—Bryan Brown, Hampton, Virginia Contact Me

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Please accept my deepest sympathies. Edna was a cherished member of our NNHS Typhoon Family, and she will be greatly missed by us all.

Dave Spriggs
NNHS 1964

—David Spriggs, Norfolk, Virginia Contact Me

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Dennis & family-
I was so sorry to hear about Edna. We went to NNHS together and the good times we had with
Bonnie, JoAnn riding through North End and the
"Old Monty"s checking on the boys.
Even though I hadn't seen Edna in years the memory of her and her infectious laugh and
smile will always be with me.

Donna Chadwell Nunemaker
NNHS 1964

—Donna Nunemaker Contact Me

Saturday, November 15, 2008

I first met Edna over 20 years ago-she walked into my life when the rest of the world had walked out. I can say with all honesty I do not know where I would be today had it not been for her unconditional love and support. As life improved for me and time passed I saw Edna less, but each time our paths would cross it was like I was "her best friend" always so happy to see me-I felt loved and valued. I also know how much she loved her family. You all have my most sincere condolences-Tess Owens

—Tess Owens, Gloucester, Virginia Contact Me

Our sincerest condolences are extended to Edna's entire family and all her many classmates and friends at this difficult time.

Y'all take good care of each other! TYPHOONS FOREVER! We'll Always Have Buckroe!

Words by Horatio G. Spafford, 1873
Music by Philip P. Bliss, 1876

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, tho' trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious tho't:
My sin, not in part, but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

And, Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend,
"Even so" it is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

			YORKTOWN - Edna Marie Johnson Matthews, 62, of Tides Run, died Nov. 11, 2008, at Mary Immaculate Hospital, Newport News. Born Aug. 29, 1946 in Norfolk, Va., she was the daughter of the late Wallace and Audrey Daniels Johnson. Edna was a registered nurse and was recently retired from Peninsula Behavioral Center in Hampton. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, that will be greatly missed by all that knew her. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Dennis Whitman Matthews; a daughter, Amy Matthews Brock and her husband, Steve of Ft. Leavenworth, Kan.; a sister, Audrey Trinkle of Yorktown; her beloved grandchildren, Tory, Trey and Jack, who were the light of her life; several nephews; and great-niece and nephew.



The family will receive family and friends at the residence on Sunday, Nov. 16, in the afternoon, to celebrate Edna Marie's life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital. Cremation Society of Virginia, Newport News, is assisting the family. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at http://www.dailypress.com/guestbooks. Published in the Daily Press on 11/14/2008. Guest Book