Patricia Ann Phillips Matthews (Rachel) was born April 5, 1939 in Spruce Pine, NC. She grew up at Grandfather Home for Children in Banner Elk, NC under the tutelage of Dr. Anne Bryan. She also had foster parents in Arthur and Mary Nell Spurgeon of Bristol, VA who treated her, and her children, as their own. She completed her BA at Flora MacDonald College, and her graduate studies at Valdosta State University, and the University of Georgia. Patricia spent her life teaching and serving others. She taught high school English for over 33 years, mostly in Moultrie, GA and Marion, VA. Her faith was always important to her and she emulated a true Christian life. Whether it be feeding the homeless, teaching English to recent immigrants, or caring for the homebound, she was dedicated to serving her community and helping those in need. She volunteered many hours in her church offices in Abingdon, Moultrie, and Tampa, FL. While many have set the goal, she certainly left the world a better place. She is survived by two sons, Garrett Matthews (Kate Johnson) and Michael Matthews (Keri Eisenbeis), both of Tampa, FL and three grandchildren, Audrey Matthews, Emma Matthews, and Simon Matthews.