Thomasene "Tommie" D. Matthews, a longtime resident of Weleetka, died Feb. 11, 2015 in Henryetta at the age of 84. Tommie was born Jan. 7, 1931 in Henryetta to O.J. Pharoah, Jr. and Betty Mabel McKinley. She grew up in the Henryetta and Pharoah areas and graduated from Pharoah High School as her senior class' valedictorian and basketball queen. Later, Tommie attended business school in Oklahoma City where she received training for her work as a bookkeeper.
Tommie married the love of her life, M.V. "Skip" Matthews, April 24, 1948 in Beggs and they remained happily committed for 66 years. From that union the couple was blessed with two children, Jim and Neketa, whom Tommie loved so very deeply.
Tommie is survived by her husband, Skip Matthews of the home; her son, Jim Matthews and wife Sue of Henryetta; a daughter, Neketa Landrum and husband Lanny of Jay; five grandchildren, Amy Norman and husband James of Jay, Jay Matthews and wife Tara of Henryetta, Tawnya Wardrope and husband Bobby of Coalgate, Audra Tate and husband Thomas of Jay, and Nacole Mowdy of Coalgate; 11 great grandchildren, Brittany Norman of Jay, Jaylyn Matthews of Henryetta, Bradley Sims and wife Danica of Henryetta, Taci Sims of Henryetta, Shelby Davidson of Tupelo, Gavin Tate of Jay, Braelynn Wardrope, Braxton Wardrope, Braedy Wardrope, and Holly Estep, all of Coalgate; by other extended family and many good friends.
She is preceded in death by her mother and father; and one brother, Jim Pharoah.
Viewing for Tommie will be held Friday, February 13, 2015 at Integrity Funeral Service from 5 to 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Integrity Chapel with Rev. Robert Adams officiating. Interment will follow immediately at Westlawn Cemetery in Henryetta under the direction of Integrity Funeral Service of Henryetta.
Pallbearers will be Dave Miller, Bob Miller, Bill Nelson, Kenny Beven, Jay Matthews and Jim Matthews.
The family has designated the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 as appropriate for memorial contributions.