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Rosalyn Matthews Obituary

Rosalyn Lee Matthews, 97, died peacefully at home on December 30, 2025, surrounded by family.

Born in Henderson, NC, on December 6, 1928, she moved with her family to Charleston, then to Spartanburg County, and ultimately to Columbia, SC, where she attended Columbia High School and the University of South Carolina, graduating in 1950 with a degree in English Education. She spent more than 30 years as a highly respected English teacher at Northside Middle School in West Columbia and was known for her expert knowledge and practice of English grammar, her love of poetry, and her kindness toward all of her students. Rosalyn loved to read, study her Bible, and teach Sunday School at Park Street Baptist Church, where she was a devoted member for more than 80 years. She was also an accomplished pianist. She loved her family, friends, and neighbors, cherishing everyone and demonstrating true southern hospitality. Most importantly, she was a "daughter of the King," a faithful servant of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She shared her faith openly with everyone she met.

Rosalyn was blessed and uplifted for many of her senior years by special friends. Linwood O'Briant was a devoted friend and companion in their later years. Anne Beasley and Dessa Beasley, college friends, were not only confidantes but truly "sisters" for more than 50 years. Rosalyn treasured her friendships, including many from her teaching days. Bonds like these not only blessed Rosalyn but also comforted her family.

Rosalyn was preceded in death by her parents, Rosa and Robert Lee, her son John, her son-in-law Eric Steckel, and her brother, Bobby. She was also preceded in death by J. D. Matthews, the father of her three children. She is survived by her daughter, Lynn Steckel, her son, Lee Matthews (Jannas), and her daughter-in-law, Eugenia Matthews, as well as her grandchildren: Mark Steckel (Brandi), Laurel Archie (Kevin), Logan Stallings (Will), Faith Burgard (Ethan), Hannah Matthews, Christopher Matthews (Kristen), Stephen Matthews, Ralph Matthews (Sara), and David Matthews (Rachel Berry). She was blessed with 14 great-grandchildren: June, Jack, Ellis, Nat, Zuzu, Liam, Brooks, Stevie, Teddy, Caroline, Bennett, Helen, Laura, and Chip.

Rosalyn will be remembered for her deep faith, her love for family and friends, and her friendly and gracious manner.

A private graveside service will be held Friday, with a celebration of life service for family and friends to be announced at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Post and Courier - Columbia on Jan. 7, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
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Charlene

April 8, 2026

I only knew Rosalyn for a few months but she definitely left a wonderful impression on my life. She was a blessing to me and always left me with a prayer. I really miss her!

Catherine Davis Herndon

January 10, 2026

So sad to hear this, my family(Michele and Ned)and I have a special place in our hearts for her. She and Mom were 2 of a kind. I enjoyed knowing that they were still close after all these years. She always encouraged my love of reading and writing poetry. Prayers to you and Lee and your families

Charlene Hale

January 9, 2026

I worked with Rosalyn many years ago at Whites after she had retired from teaching. I thought the world of her. My sympathy to her family. She loved her children.

Dave Williams

January 9, 2026

Rosalyn will be Greatly missed by everyone that had the Pleasure of knowing her. Death Leaves a Heartache No One Can Heal, Love Leaves a Memory No One Can Steal. May You Find Comfort in the Memories You Shared. Now -----She is at Rest in God's Arms in Heaven!

Charlene King

January 8, 2026

I just met Rosalyn a few months ago but she stole my heart the first day. She was a very special lady and we talked alot about the Bible, prayer and going to Heaven. I'm so glad she's rejoicing there today. She had a lovely family who loved her very much!! She will be missed!

Lynn Steckel

January 7, 2026

I have never missed anyone more than Mama, with the exception of my late husband and partner in life, Eric. May everyone be blessed with the presence in your life as a prayer warrior, unconditional love, and source of wisdom as my mom: truly a gift you don´t appreciate adequately until gone. I love you, Mama.

Debbie Sharpe Berry

January 7, 2026

I loved Mrs. Matthews! I had her for 7th grade English at BC Junior High School! Recently, I would see her at my friend´s beauty shop getting her hair done. She remembered my name - even though she called me Debra! I didn´t mind. I learned a lot in her class, and I can certainly say that she was the best English teacher I ever had. I will miss seeing her! She is now in the arms of Jesus! And she doesn´t need any help walking or doing anything else because she has a new body!

Carolyn Moore

January 7, 2026

I knew Rosalyn through my mother, Dessa Beasley. They were the best of friends for many years. She was a devoted prayer warrior and was always taking our concerns and needs to the Father. She was the epitome of a true Southern lady in every sense of the word and it is so gratifying to know she is sharing her well deserved time in God´s presence with Dessa and Anne.

Ina Johnson

January 7, 2026

Rosalyn Matthews was a dear friend for forty years. Her eldest son John was married to my youngest sister until his death. She was a lovely lady inside and out and the epitome of Southern graciousness. We will miss you, Mama Rosalyn!

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Funeral services provided by:

Thompson Funeral Homes - Columbia

845 Leesburg Rd, Columbia, SC 29209

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