A funeral service for Edward Mathews, 86, of Opelika, was held at 12 p.m. on Jan. 5, 2012, at St. Luke A.M.E. Church with interment in Memory Hill Cemetery. Rev. Johnny B. Rutledge officiated.
Mathews passed on Dec. 29, 2011, at the East Alabama Medical Center. He was a member of St. Luke A.M.E. Church where he sang in the Male Chorus and was a former member of the Steward Board. He was a graduate of Alabama State University. For many years, he taught in the field of secondary education.
His remains laid in state at the church one hour prior to the service.
Survivors include a sister, Carrie Jones, Opelika; a brother, Carl Mathews, Opelika; a niece, Wisteria (Lorinza) Williams, Ramstein, Germany; a nephew, Tani L. Jones, Opelika; great nieces, great nephews and a great-great nephew; a special cousin, Georgia Lee Bass, Denver, Colo.; a special friend, Albert Edwards, Opelika; several other cousins, and friends.
Peterson and Williams Funeral Home directed.