Obituary of Margaret Emma Matthews

Margaret Emma Bell Matthews was born on December 16, 1919 in Philadelphia, PA to Jeanetta Hines Bell and Robert Tyson Bell. She had an older brother, Leon Bell (who preceded her in death) and a younger sister, Ethelyn Bell Nottingham who lives in South Philadelphia. Her mother departed this life when Margaret was 12 years old. She and her younger sister were raised by family members in Cape May, NJ, Denton, Maryland and later moved to Philadelphia. Margaret married Howard P. Wilson and from this union two children were born (Ronald Philip Wilson and Yvonne Lelia Wilson). They were divorced several years later. Margaret then married Philip Harrison Matthews (who preceded her in death) and from this union one son was born, (Philip Harrison Matthews, Jr.) who now resides in Adelanto, California. Ronald lives in Philadelphia and Yvonne lives in Atco, NJ. Margaret had a strong work ethic and believed in the importance of an education. Circumstances did not allow her to graduate from high school but she obtained her GED in her fifties, proving that it is never too late to continue one’s education. She worked as a seamstress for many years and then worked for the Federal Government as a clerk at Quarter Master Supply Depot located at 20th and Johnson Street in Philadelphia until she retired. She enjoyed music, dancing and singing. She loved to go to Jazz shows and dances (she could really dance and continued to do so well into her 90’s). Later in life, she continued her love for dance while in her sixties, by participating in the Patty Harris Senior Dance Group in Atlantic City. Margaret had an adventurous spirit. A memorable moment was when she was treated to her first plane ride to accompany her daughter who was working at McCormick’s Place in Chicago for the Negro Centennial in 1963. She was honored to be in the company of Jesse Owens, Bill Russell, Nipsey Russell, Dick Gregory and Lou Rawls. She shared hugs with Sam Cook at Club Harlem and partied with Johnny Hartman and Arthur Prysock. She also went to Spain and was brave enough to ride a camel. She moved to Atlantic City in her sixties and lived there for 24 years. Deciding she had enough of Atlantic City, she moved back to Philadelphia in her 80’s and lived at Riverside Senior Apartments located at 23rd and Race Street. She made this move by herself and didn’t tell her children until she was moved in. Margaret considered herself a survivor having overcome many life’s obstacles. She knew she was blessed and loved the Lord. She moved from Philadelphia in December of 2013 due to illness. She was fortunate to be able to move to The Fountains at Cedar Parke located in Atco, NJ, down the street from her daughter. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends who made sure she felt loved and cared for. Rev. Miller, Nickie and Sis. Marie (St. John’s United Methodist Church) would visit on Thursdays to talk and pray with her. Whenever there was a program or entertainment at The Fountains, you would always see Margaret up front and center singing and dancing in her wheelchair. Everyone knew her and loved her. She went home to be with the Lord on February 26, 2016. She is survived by her sister, Ethelyn B. Nottingham of South Philadelphia; her three children: Ronald P. Wilson of Philadelphia, Yvonne Walton of Atco, NJ and Philip H. Matthews Jr. of Adelanto, California; 4 grandchildren: Derek Bostic, Felicia Walton, Brian Wilson and Rhonda Joi Wilson; 5 great grandchildren: Devon Gibbs (Derek’s son) Brian Wilson Jr., Kaleif and Shukwan (Brian’s children), Hershawn Jones (Rhonda Joi’s son) and a great grandchild Brielle Wilson along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Yvonne’s adopted Chinese granddaughter and family (Jasmine, Panda and NiuNiu).