Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the church by the Messiah throughout all ages, world without end. Amen" Ephesians 3: 20-21

Lancaster Matthews was born June 1, 1942, in Griffin, Georgia to the late James Matthews and Margie Akins. He always had an adventurous, and free spirit and after his father passed away when he was 16 years old, he left home and made pit stops in Florida, and Cleveland in pursuit of musical ambitions. In the early 1970's, he finally sat down long enough to settle down in New Jersey. He worked for 23 years at United Steele Deck in South Plainfield, as a Crane Operator. Outside of work, Mr. Matthews strongly embraced the Alcoholics Anonymous program and became a member of the in-recovery Plainfield, NJ Community. He sponsored many others who needed reassurance and guidance. After Mr. Matthews retired from United Steele, he found great joy in volunteering his time at Freedom House of Glen Gardner. His sobriety spanned over 30 decades.

Mr. Matthews was a very spiritual man and he was a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church, in Plainfield. He loved reading Scripture and was always prayerful. His favorite Psalm that he says was passed down to him from his mother to meditate upon was Psalm 91.

He was so very humble and always grateful for the journey. And no matter the situation, he was excited and upbeat and was always providing a scripture verse to uplift others. He was full of joy. He also had a ridiculous number of friends and an abundance of positive energy.

One of Mr. Matthews biggest accomplishments was being a father. After experiencing many trials and tribulations in his life, he considered himself blessed enough to have his three girls: Fashawn, Sheena, Danielle, and loved and appreciated his son in law, Burton Brown III. His children called their dad a superhero, and even as adults saw him that way. He was there for them when they needed him through their ups and downs, and taught them to enjoy every moment of life, remain humble, grateful, and pursue a peaceful, spiritual path. He was equally, and so very proud of the new beginning his 8 grandchildren represented.

He spent his last years in White Plains, Maryland with his youngest daughter and her family. He was fond of sitting on the patio and reminiscing about how he had been delivered from tough times in his life always gave credit to the Most High for deliverance and favor over his life. On one occasion he told her, "I cannot believe that I am able to experience seeing my children and some of my grandchildren grow up to be successful and get further than I did. Imagine that-- I was just a little country boy from Griffin." To him, their success meant he had succeeded despite stumbling blocks that he encountered in life. And he was overwhelmed with joy.

He loved music especially the Spinners ("Games People Play") and the Temptations ("Just My Imagination") as well as fishing at Spruce Run and Round Valley Recreation Areas in New Jersey. His legacy was one of peace, and he longed to be in spaces where he could experience it. Indeed, one of his favorite retreats for peace and meditation was at the Shrine of Saint Josephs in Stirling, NJ.

Mr. Matthews departed this life the morning of Sunday, June 26 at Hospice of Charles County in Waldorf, Md. Aside from his immediate family, Mr. Matthews leaves behind his beloved sister, Ms. Geraldine Dallas of Griffin, Georgia, his dear Aunt Merline Taylor also of Griffin and a host of nieces, nephews, and caring friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Freedom House Glen Gardner, NJ https://www.freedomhousenj.org/support-us