Anissa Matthews

Anissa W. Matthews, 52 of Edgewood, Ky passed away surrounded by her family on December 9, 2020 at The James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, OH.

As speechless as we are about the sudden passing of Anissa, when it comes to talking about our Mom there are truly not enough eloquent words. She was a disciple of the Lord and an earthly angel that was taken from her wonderful earthly life way too soon. We held on to hope until the very end, but nothing could change God’s plan. We find solace in the fact that she has been set-free from pain, cancer, and living life in hospital rooms. She is now living freely amongst the highest of angels and her health is restored as she is wrapping her arms tightly around us. She was the heart and soul of our family and taught us to live each day with love, positivity, and laughter. ‘Life is short’ and those words have never felt heavier and closer to our hearts than now. During the nine weeks she was fighting this evil disease, all she did was ask about everyone else including the nurses and doctors she grew to love, and to no one’s surprise, loved her back. She was the quintessential captain of the household throughout our childhood. Growing up with brothers she jokingly wished for sisters and ironically God surprised her with four daughters. We know how blessed we were to have her as a Mother and Wife; coming home to a clean house with baked goods and home cooked meals on the table, lunches packed every day with a loving hand written note hidden  inside, laundry neatly organized in our bedrooms, her attendance for every event and function we were a part of, constant words of encouragement, volunteered as room mom for all of our classrooms, and all with a big smile on her face. She was beautiful inside and out and exuded a caring demeanor and patience no matter how chaotic a situation was. Once the youngest of her four girls went into the school system, she decided to dedicate her time to the church’s preschool. She served as a preschool teacher at Jump For Joy for over 20 years and only retired to be with her grandchildren every day and become a full time Gigi. As we reflect, we see the many ways she paralleled a life of Jesus as she was a true teacher, friend, a listening ear, forgiving, a healer of any problems, generous to all, and loving towards all of God’s creatures whether human or animal.  Health was of utmost importance to her as she exercised daily, indulged in a well-balanced diet, never smoked, and only enjoyed an occasional glass of wine. Her doctors remain befuddled as to how and why this nefarious disease invaded her healthy body.

In any situation, she brought a calmness as well as an everlasting light and relentless joy to every person she encountered. She never met a stranger, and we can only aspire to be half the woman she was. Whether you met her once or knew her for a lifetime, we guarantee she left an impression on you that we hope you will share gracefully in honor of her every single day. Her smile and laugh were contagious and the way she could be simple, elegant, and classy all while having the best sense of humor was truly a gift. Each day that there were workers at the house she brought them lunch or homemade cookies and drinks as a tribute of her thanks for their meticulous and tireless work in making her dream home come true. A place she only lived in for 3 days before she was hospitalized for the duration of her battle.  This is only one testament of the countless examples of her philanthropic spirit. We know why the Heavens wanted her back, but we are having a hard time with why they needed her so soon. She would encourage us to lean on each other and be steadfast to our faith and to trust the Lord’s plan despite the pain and devastation we feel. We are dedicating our days to fulfilling her legacy and living a life like she would; smiling, laughing, and loving. There will never be another Anissa Matthews as she was a true gift from God, so help us honor our Mother and Wife by giving to others and community more, praying daily, laughing often, and loving always.

One of her favorite Bible verses:

“For it is God who is working in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.” Philippians 2:13

She is survived by her Loving Husband of 32 plus years, William L. Matthews; Daughters, Nichaela Hope Matthews, Meagan Kamayla (Joe) Bricking, Ashley Brianna Matthews and Lakin McKenzie Matthews; Parents, Gordon Michael Westerfield and Brenda Sue Westerfield; Grandchildren, Brody Gunner and Eli Anderson; Brothers, Michael Matthew Westerfield and Gordon Scott (Stephanie) Westerfield; Numerous Nieces, Nephews, Cousins & Dear Friends. A visitation will take place on Friday, December 18, 2020 at Fort Mitchell Baptist Church from 4 pm until the service at 7 pm. Burial will follow the next morning in Highland Cemetery.  In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be sent to: Ronald McDonald House 341 Erkenbrecher Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45229, American Cancer Society 4540 Cooper Road Cincinnati, OH 45242, Fort Mitchell Baptist Church 2323 Dixie Highway Fort Mitchell, KY 41017 or Jump for Joy Preschool C/O the Church.  Floral Hills Funeral Home is honored to serve the Matthews family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.floralhillsmemorialgardens.com.  Due to the COVID restrictions anyone entering the Church must wear a face covering.

Anissa W. Matthews Memorial Service

Friday, December 18th, 2020 at 7 pm Eastern.

Please click the link below to join the funeral service (hosted as a Zoom webinar):

https://jewelrytv.zoom.us/j/96332309414?pwd=clhqMUgrUHFiVi8xWUxBbUNLMVBKUT09

Passcode: 123456

Or iPhone one-tap :

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Or Telephone:

US: +1 312 626 6799

Webinar ID: 963 3230 9414

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