Hope Matthews

Hope Raynell Smith Matthews died August 26, at Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. The daughter of the late Dr. Donald Ray Smith (USAF, ret.) and Mrs. ZoDell Austin Smith, Hope was born March 5, 1956 in Wichita Falls, TX and grew up as the daughter of an Air Force Chaplain living all over the world. She was married to the love of her life, MSgt Ricky Walter Matthews (USAF, ret.) and they raised two children, Rachel Joy Phillips (Gregory) and Jordan Michael Matthews (Natalie).
Hope was a faithful follower of Christ, an adoring wife, mother, and grandmother, an extraordinary music teacherand accomplished musician. Having taught in Utah and overseas, she touched countless students’ lives through her amazing gift of music. Hope conducted church choirs and musical performances all over the world, including Germany, Italy, and Russia. For over 20 years, Hope taught for the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools and in 2001, she was named Teacher of the Year by her colleagues. Hope was loved by all who had the joy of knowing her and she was always faithful in her love of God, her family, music and teaching. Her voice, positive spirit and laughter will be missed by all.
Surviving Hope in addition to her children are her grandchildren: Zoë Grace Phillips, Aly Grace Matthews, Lillian Wren Phillips, Samuel Howard Matthews, MixsonMatthews Phillips, Isla May Matthews. Also included are her step-daughter Morgan Jean Matthews and her children Shye, Imani, Jonah and her sister Faith Smith Dupree-White (Bob) and brother Mark Austin Smith (Shelley). 
Services for Hope Raynell Smith Matthews will take place Tuesday, September 7th at Spring Valley Baptist Church at 11:00 AM. Conducting the service will be Dr. Robert Winburn and Dr. Rick McCollum. Burial will take place at Fort Jackson National Cemetery at 1:00.

Hope's life-long passion was changing students' lives through music education.  Instead of flowers, please make a donation to The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation and allow other teachers to use their talents and passion to make a difference in their students' lives.
https://www.mhopus.org/donate/

Please make your donation in memory of Hope Matthews.
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Hope Matthews, please visit our floral store.