of Harrison, AR
August 26, 1967 - September 11, 2024
Rhonda Carol Matthews, age 57, of Harrison, Arkansas gained her heavenly wings on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at Hospice of the Hills. She was born on August 26, 1967 in San Antonio, Texas to Mitchell Rains and Yvonne (Pemberton) Rains. Rhonda is preceded in death by her mother and a special friend, Rhonda Pemberton.
Rhonda worked as an ER trauma and travel nurse for 15 years. She also served as the director of House of Hope for 1 year. At North Arkansas College, she spent 3 years as a nursing instructor. She touched many lives through her passionate work. Rhonda found joy in being the worship director of her church, Grubb Springs Baptist Church. She loved helping people, spending time with her family and worshiping the Lord.
She is survived by her loving husband of 29 years, Robert Matthews; three sons, Jarid and his wife, Tori Matthews of Big Springs, Texas, Michael and his wife, Madison Evert of Harrison and Andrew and his wife, Laura Matthews of Harrison; one daughter, Sarah Leal of Branson, Missouri; her father, Mitchell Rains of Harrison; one sister, Ruth and her husband, Michael Crouch of Harrison; one brother, Rex and his wife, Laura Rains of Dubuque, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Sammy, Silas, Marley, Lily, Eliza, Leah and one blessing on the way, Isaiah and many other family and friends who will dearly miss her.
A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Grubb Springs Baptist Church in Harrison with Bro. Bill Beach officiating.
Honorary pallbearers were Lindsey Harp, Thomas Harp, Jarid Matthews, Michael Evert, Andrew Matthews, Carson Jenkins, Paul Harp and George Mason.
Memorials may be made to Grubb Springs Baptist Church, 4884 S. Grubb Springs Road, Harrison, Arkansas 72601 and House of Hope, 600 E. Stephenson Ave, Harrison, Arkansas 72601.
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7 Condolence(s)
Jo Ellen Steen (Pratt)
Monday, September 23, 2024
My heart is broken into pieces, but not nearly as much as her beautiful family.
Rhonda is leading praise and worship unto our Lord and Savior. I look forward to seeing her again soon.
Peace and comfort to you all.
Jo Ellen
Tahnee Whiteside Walker
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Rhonda and I went to school together. I have many fond memories of her. We had Chamber Singers practice at 6:00am in the morning and choir 3rd period. We always had a lot of fun. We were all one Big family. Then she married my best friend's brother -in-law so she became even closer family.
Rob I'm so sorry for your loss, but know she loved you very much and you made her very happy. We will all be reunited again in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love y'all bunches.
Laura Taylor
Friday, September 13, 2024
Rhonda and I go way back when our kids were little. I knew her before Robbie and her got married. She Was best friends with my mom at American Freightways back before it became FedEx, And I’m sure a lot of people can remember that. Mom is the one that introduced me to her. My mom and her were best friends before me and her were. Rhonda and I were really close once. We were sisters in Christ, and somehow grew apart for a while. However, I know she will be in his arms now and is no longer in pain and is Will be with the angels. She was a wonderful person and had a beautiful soul. Robby I am sorry that you will be without her and also the rest of the family because I know how much she meant to y’all. She will be missed by everyone that she touched. She was truly Loved, And missed. God bless!
William Tollett
Friday, September 13, 2024
On behalf of the board and staff of Harrison House of Hope, we extend our deepest sympathy to Rhonda’s family in her homecoming. Her love and commitment to Christ was expressed through her heart of compassion for the downtrodden, unsheltered and unemployed man and woman. May the peace of a Christ comfort you all.
Patricia Roberts
Friday, September 13, 2024
Rhonda and I went to school together from 7th grade through 12th. She was always so kind and cheerful. She had the voice of an Angel! My heart goes out to Rob and the kids, Ruth and Michael, and Mitchell. May you find sufficient comfort as you mourn the tragic loss, knowing we will see her again in Heaven. God bless you all.
Pollyanna Hodges
Thursday, September 12, 2024
Ruth, Michael and family,
Please know that my prayers are for all of you at this time. I didn’t work with Rhonda at the college, but a former student called to tell me about her passing. She said she was such a good teacher. We know that she is at peace but also know that she will be greatly missed. You are all blessed with many happy memories. My sincere condolences …
Polly
Marquetta Matthews
Thursday, September 12, 2024
So sorry for the loss. God Bless you all.