Mrs. Debra Matthews

“God Got US!”

WATERBURY – It is with great sadness and broken hearts that we the family of Debra (Debbie) Matthews age 68, of Waterbury, announce her unexpected passing at home on Sunday, February 18th, 2024.

Debbie was born on July 23, 1955, in Ansonia CT., the daughter of the late Mary and Jack Smith of Ansonia. She was a graduate of Ansonia High School. Debbie was passionate about traveling, giving to those in need, reading, making memories with family, dancing, and spending time with the Golden Girls. She would cheer you on and would be right there for you. She would always say “God got US”!! Debbie’s smile and energy were contagious, always lighting up the room. You would find her laughing or on the dance floor. Debbie had a signature greeting with her tight hug and genuine kisses. She wasn’t afraid to tell loved ones how proud she was and how much she loved them. Debbie was a 2-time cancer survivor, defeating both pancreatic and breast cancer. She was our world champion, always growing stronger in her faith and her love. In June of 1991, Debbie entered Elkdom when she became a daughter of Clock City Temple #895 in Waterbury. She received her Past State President Honors in 1993. In 2018, she achieved the highest accolades when she received her Past Grand Daughter Ruler Honors. Her current positions include Treasurer for Clock City Temple, Trustee for the New England States Daughters of Elks, and vice-president of the Mae H. Jackson Past Grand Daughter Rulers Circle of Connecticut. For the past several years, Debbie has also been a Special Deputy for the New England State Daughters of Elks.

Left to honor her memory and cherish her legacy, are her three children; Melissa Langey (Curtis) of GA, Tonya Goodman (Jerry), and Reese Blathers (Darryl) both of Waterbury, her two brothers, Terry Spencer of Virginia and Michael Spencer of New Haven; seven grandchildren; Jerry (LJ) Goodman Jr, Deja Martin, Janelle Goodman, Terrell Miller, Jayden Goodman, Roshana Blathers, and Augustus (PJ) Bailey, three great grandchildren; Jeremiah Goodman, Zay’Air Iglesias, and Zhi’Lon Trimmier as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, many friends, and her lifetime friends the “Golden Girls”- Stephanie Sapp-Dean, Denise Perry-Lowe, Emma Williams. Debbie was pre-deceased by her husband, Francis (Frank) Matthews and siblings; Gwendolyn Spencer, Laverne Smith, John Keith Smith and Curtis Smith.

Funeral services for Mrs. Matthews will be held on Wednesday, February 28th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Baptist Church, 137 Pearl Street, Waterbury, CT 06704. Burial will follow in New Pine Grove Cemetery 850 Meridian Rd Waterbury, Connecticut 06705. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Debra’s family on Wednesday, February 28th, 2024, at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the service at 11:00 a.m. Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care has been honored to assist the Matthews family during this difficult time. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence or words of comfort or share a memory of someone important to you with your family and friends. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so.