Sarah Pauline Matthews

Sarah Matthews, born May 14, 1939, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 5, 2020.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Vassie Leroy Matthews and Annie Lillian Peterson Matthews. She was the second oldest of 7 children; Annie L. Matthews (deceased),

Harvey L Matthews (deceased), Caletha M Pindle, Janie C. Bannister, Edgar K. Matthews (deceased), and Redetha E. Neube. Sarah was born and raised in Sampson County, North Carolina and graduated from Garland Colored high school in 1956. Sarah was formerly married to Rev. Arthur L. Coston Sr. and is survived by six children; Arthur L Coston Jr., Clinton, NC; Vicky R. Hogan (John), Atlanta, GA; Sonya A. Miguel (Keith), Staten Island, NY; Danny E. Coston, Staten Island, NY; Deatrice C. Williams (Hans), Staten Island, NY; and Colette Z. Coston, Kingston, NY. She also has 18 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

Staten Island, New York was Sarah’s home for 45 years. When her children were older, she attended Community College of Staten Island where she received an Associate’s Degree. Sarah also worked as a sales clerk for Sears Department Store, before working for NYS Department of Motor Vehicles where she retired in 2000. Sarah was a member of Willowbrook Park Baptist Church, Staten Island where she taught Sunday school and sung in the adult choir for many years and made lifelong friends. After retirement she made the difficult decision to relocate back home to North Carolina in November of 2001. She first attended First Baptist Church of Clinton and later made Garland First Baptist Church her permanent place of worship and home. She was very involved in church serving as trustee, working with the youth in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Sarah always had a desire to learn more about the Lord and attended Shaw University Divinity School in Raleigh, NC in October, 2002.

Sarah was loved by children, family and everyone who met her. She was a true friend. Any advice she gave for a troubled heart centered around the Lord Jesus Christ. Her advice was always that you need to be save and put Jesus first in your life. She always had a smile on her face and even when she didn’t feel up to it. Sarah didn’t fear death. When her time to leave this earth was near, she knew she’d be at the feet of Jesus. Sarah was very proud of her family and loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren very much.  We love her so much and she will be greatly missed.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, September 12, 2020 at Hayes Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Rose Hill.

A walk through viewing will be held on Friday, September 11, 2020 from 1:00-6:00 PM at Carter Funeral Home, Garland.