KAREN SMALLWOOD MATTHEWS

Karen Smallwood Matthews, age 72, entered peacefully into eternal rest on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at West Jefferson Medical Center. She was a native of Marrero, LA and a resident of Algiers, LA. Karen graduated in the top 10% of her class from L. W. Higgins High School in 1970. She continued her studies at Southern University in Baton Rouge, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in1973 as a Cum Laude Honor graduate. She received her CPA License on July 29, 1983.  Karen worked in the banking and financial sector her entire professional career. She was so talented at her profession, that she achieved prestigious roles of Vice President at some institutions and Chief Financial Officer at others. Karen dedicated her life in service to family and friends, her good works were rewarded here on earth, and will forever be remembered. Beloved wife of 49 years to Joseph R. Matthews. Devoted mother of Jerjuan Ryan (Melonie) Matthews, Kheyla Sare Matthews, and Cedric (Pamela) LaCour. Cherished grandmother of Skylar, Jaron, Sophia, and Jiovanni Matthews. Loving daughter of Ruth Walker Smallwood and the late Percy Smallwood, Sr. Granddaughter of the late Ulysses and Clodia Favorite Smallwood, Albert and Elnora Brown Walker. Sister of Wanda Hill, Angela Carter, LaVern Smallwood, Yolanda (William) Payne, Kent Smallwood, Jeffery (Nicole) Smallwood, Randal (DeShon) Smallwood, and the late Percy Smallwood, Jr. Aunt of the late Jeffery Smallwood, Jr. and Sterling Smallwood. Also cherishing her memories, her devoted childhood friend Mary Louise Winder, and a host aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Relatives and friends of the family, also pastors, officers, and members of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church and all neighboring churches; employees of United Bank and Trust, Regional Loan Corp., City of New Orleans Fire Dept., UPS, Jefferson Parish Public Schools, DOTD, and Foti Financial Service are invited to attend the Celebration of Life at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, 1000 Walkertown Way, Marrero, LA on Friday, May 17, 2024 at 10:00a.m. Pastor Thomas J. Brown, Jr., officiating. Viewing will be held from 8:00a.m.-9:50a.m. ONLY at the church. Interment: Restlawn Park Cemetery-Avondale, LA. Arrangements by Davis Mortuary Service, 230 Monroe St. Gretna, LA. To view and sign the guestbook, please go to www.davismortuaryservice.com.

FACE MASKS ARE RECOMMENDED.