Patricia Louise Matthews

Patricia Louise Matthews, née Brou, 84, of Suwanee, passed away at her home on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. 

Patricia was born on May 21, 1940 to the late Raymond H. & Elzina S. Brou in New Orleans, LA. She was the youngest of three daughters born of this union.

Patricia graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1957. She then attended Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University), where she majored in Chemistry. It was during her time at Tuskegee that Patricia became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Patricia remained active in the organization throughout her lifetime, connecting with local chapters wherever she resided.

Patricia married in 1961 and relocated to New York, eventually settling in Wheatley Heights, LI, NY. Two sons, Kenneth and Kyle, were born of this union which ended in 1972. Sadly, Kyle passed away in 1979, at the age of 12.

Patricia graduated with a Bachelors in Business from Adelphi University in 1990. This was while employed by NYNEX (formerly New York Telephone Company), where she worked for many years, eventually retiring from the company in 1993.

In 1995, Patricia survived a life-threatening vehicle accident. Although initially in a coma, Patricia’s road to recovery was a true testament to her strength and resilience. She had to learn how to walk and talk again, as well as overcome other medical challenges. Her ability to reclaim life and live it to the fullest was characteristic of Patricia’s determination and perseverance. 

While still residing in NY, Patricia became a member of The Links, Inc. She remained active in the organization until 2014.

Patricia left New York in 2000, relocating back to New Orleans, LA, where she remained until 2005. In 2005, Patricia and her sister relocated to Durham, NC. They remained there for a number of years, living near their nieces. Patricia and her sister then relocated to Buford, GA in 2014 to be near her son and his family. In 2022, they moved to nearby Suwanee, GA, where Patricia still resided at the time of her passing.

Patricia was a devout Lutheran throughout her adult life and remained active in her local congregation. Most recently, she was a member of St. John the Apostle Lutheran Church in Buford, GA.

Patricia is survived by her son, Kenneth (Renee) M. Matthews; sister, Gwendolyn E. Brou; half-sister, Dianne (Lionel) B. Fraser; grandson, Destin W.A. Matthews; nieces, Debra (Lance) Y. Johnson, Karla (Wilbert) D. Pratt, and Lisa D. Inman; nephews, Lionel (Ilene) B. Fraser III, and Raymond (Florence) H.B. Fraser; great-nephews and great-nieces; and a host of friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Kyle T. Matthews; and sister, Dolores Y. Inman.

A memorial service will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Memorial Park South Funeral Home, 4121 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, Georgia 30542.

Flowers may be sent to the funeral home. Cards may be sent to The Matthews Family, 7777 Copper Kettle Way, Flowery Branch, GA 30542. On-line condolences may be submitted at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com. Donations may be made in the name of Patricia Louise Brou Matthews to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in support of the Delta GEMS program or to The Links, Inc. in support of their Health and Human Services 

Patricia will be interred at North Babylon Cemetery, LI, NY.