Shirley M. Matthews

Shirley Martin Matthews, born on November 2, 1935, in Columbia, South Carolina, to the late Walter E. Martin and Bessie Mae Joyner, departed this physical world on April 6, 2023, surrounded by her family. Having spent time as a Nurse’s Aide in a maternity ward, caring for babies and new mothers, she loved caring for children and, later, became a foster mother. She worked for many years at a hair systems salon, where she developed long-term relationships with customers and co-workers alike. Shirley had many passions throughout her life, including sketching beautiful figures; listening to music by Elvis Presley; singing Joan Baez songs with her brother, Dan; and spending time with her family. An amazing cook, she loved to feed everyone around her - even if they weren’t hungry. She cared for her mother for many years and cherished the love of her brothers and sisters, until their passing. Her greatest attribute was her dedication to her parents, husband, children, and siblings. “You can become a whole new person and start over from anywhere you are in life,” she once shared in a special message to her granddaughter, “You can reinvent yourself into whoever you want to be. “I know,” she continued, “because I did it myself.” Indeed, as a great role model for those around her, she reinvented herself many times. She will be greatly missed, but forever in our hearts! Survivors include her loving husband, Samuel E. Matthews, Sr; son, James (Jimmy) Kirkland; daughters, Julie K. Brickley (Robert) and Gina Kirkland; Daughter-in Love, Charlene Lawyer; and her grandchildren: Rachael Ann Kingsmore, Michael Dwayne Kirkland, Preston Matthews Kyles, Robbie Vande Brake, Angel Renae Ojeda, and Erica Leigh Wilson. Shirley was preceded in death by her first husband, William H. Kirkland, Sr., as well as her son, William (Billy) H. Kirkland, Jr. A funeral service for Shirley M. Matthews, 87, will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, April 13, 2023, in the Chapel of Temples-Halloran Funeral Home, located at 5400 Bush River Rd, Columbia, South Carolina, 29212; burial at 3:00 p.m., at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 7100 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia, SC 29209. Family and friends will be received at the funeral home from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service.