Sallie Avo Rasberry Matthews' Obituary
Sallie Avo Rasberry Matthews, 92, of Memphis, TN, has gone to be with the Lord on June 12, 2014. She was the wife of the late Robert Bone Matthews. She leaves a son, Dr. Robert Stephen Matthews and wife Wendy, and a daughter, Sally Elizabeth Matthews. She also leaves two grandsons, Robert Matthews Hughes and wife Allison; Stephen Aaron Matthews and wife Erika; two great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. Mrs. Matthews was born and raised in Calhoun City, MS. She earned a degree in English at Mississippi University for Women as a proud member of the class of 1942 and went on to do graduate coursework at Christian Brothers College. Mrs. Matthews taught returning soldiers at Kennedy Hospital during World War II so that they could complete coursework to finish degrees. She then taught English for over 40 years at Central High School and Evangelical Christian School. She was a long-time member of Independent Presbyterian Church. Affectionately called “Sass” by her grandchildren, she lived up to the moniker, disapproving of things with sayings such as “that’s not fit to be buzzard bait,” reminiscing of days teaching “raunchy Chaucer,” and causing consternation for caregivers by telling them “I’m agile if I don’t fall.” A self-proclaimed “tough old bird,” her reaction to learning about a party to celebrate her 92nd birthday was a boisterous “Hot Cindy!” To repeat one of her favorite phrases, we “love you all the way” Sass! Visitation will take place at Memorial Park Funeral Home in Memphis, TN on Sunday June 15, from 5:00-7:00 PM and services will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home on June 16 at 10:00 AM in the Riverside Chapel.The family requests that any memorials be sent to Independent Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Christian School, or Porter-Leath, all of Memphis, TN.
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