It was a beautiful warm day on March 9, 1955. The low was 52 and the high was 75. It was also sunny in the lives of Edith Butler Mathews and her husband, Clifton Mathews. They had brought their first son into the world. He was the 4th child of seven. They named him Gerald Keith. He began what would become a unique tradition with initials. After Gerald Keith came Adrienne Celeste, next Clifton Alexander, and then Kevin Gerard. Gerald also had adoring older sisters, Clara, Brenda, and Cheryl who were thrilled to have a brother or so he tells it. They agree! Gerald's doting grandmother, Cora Lee Butler; parents; aunts, Louise and Betty; uncles, Donald and Gene; his younger brothers, Kevin, Clifford, Derrick; beloved brother-in-law, Tom; sisters, Erica and Cheryl, and sister-in-law who he loved like his own sister, Orletha all preceded him in death.

Gerald tells the story of how Clara and Cheryl would peek into his classroom and point to him and wave. Being a shy kid, he was so embarrassed. Now, I know those of you only met him in later years are saying, "SHY" there's nothing shy about Gerald". Yes, it's true, for most of his childhood, Gerald was shy. It is surprising because the other family members were and are talkers.

Gerald attended Clinton Branch, Emerson and Clark Elementary Schools. At Clark his scholastic aptitude ranked him as a gifted child. This would have surprised no one who knew him. There was one circumstance, however, that makes his giftedness all the more incredible! Up until age 9, Gerald couldn't see very well. At age 9 when he received his glasses, only then did he know there were cracks and pebbles in the concrete that made up the sidewalk. Age 9 was a turning point for Gerald in another area of his life. Gerald's family was members of Revelation Baptist Church. At age 9 he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized. Gerald sang in the youth choir, he was a youth usher, and set the record for the most whippings during church services.

In the first grade he lived with his grand aunt, Nonie and spent the weekends and summers with his mother and siblings. His grand aunt was name Johnnie Mae but he says his older sister, Cheryl couldn't say Johnnie, she said Nonie and it stuck.

Gerald graduated from Enright Middle School. Gerald shared this story to prove his shyness. One day before he graduated, his mother came to the school to do a presentation on what she did in her job for her children, Adrienne and Gerald. Mother worked for a downtown advertising agency, Dorsey. The teacher didn't know Edith Mathews was Gerald's mother. He hadn't said anything about his mother coming to his class. The teacher was surprised that "Mother", what we all lovingly called her, said she had a child in his class. He had to ask mother who was her child. Gerald was really shy! Again, it is hard to believe. Also, while at Enright he was one of four students selected to interview for scholarships to Country Day High and CBC High Schools. He was accepted at CBC, placing in the top 20 of all students who tested for admission.

He finished his freshman year there. Gerald would have continued there but he and the administration had a difference of opinion on what constituted as the proper dress code. While there, he played baseball and wrestled. After his freshman year, Gerald enrolled at Northwest High School. Gerald had a drama teacher that made a huge impact on his life. Gerald always talked about Mr. Nolan. At Northwest, Gerald was in the choir, he acted in 3 plays and directed 8 plays. Gerald graduated in 1973 from Northwest High School as a proud Blue Devil!

After graduation Gerald decided to work before attending college. He was hired at the same advertising agency as his mother. Of course, Mother told everyone what a great son he was but he wouldn't talk much because he was shy. How surprised Mother was when people began talking about how friendly and talkative he was. He was a great worker. He made his mother proud. After two years and making some money, he decided to attend the summer program, Project Start, at the University of Missouri Columbia to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

Looking back, we now know that the Lord was just delaying his matriculation so he could be there to meet the love of his life. After being recognized as brilliant in math and being placed in charge of an algebra tutoring class, he met and became friends with Relda Owens, too! While at Mizzou, people heard Gerald sing. Relda, who was already in the gospel choir, convinced him to join the Legion of Black Collegians Gospel Choir. By the second year of school Gerald had become a featured lead singer. Oh! How people would love to hear him sing. They still do. While at Mizzou, Gerald's personality made him a person to whom people gravitated. He was humorous, thoughtful and kind. Gerald and the young men in his dorm formed a group. They were the "Macs" named for McReynolds and McDavid Halls. Gerald developed friendships that would last over 50 years.

Gerald believed he needed to be close to home to help his family. He returned to St. Louis, Missouri to take care of his family. He comes from a closely knitted family. He did whatever he could to make sure everyone was well. Gerald lovingly sent money every pay period to his sister, Adrienne while she was in college. On payday, during baseball season, Gerald would have his brother, Clifton come downtown to get a pizza and see a Cardinals game. Family times with the Mathews clan was always a party. They had talent shows, card games, and eating feasts. All the Mathews could cook! Gerald thought he was the next best after "Mother". His brother, Kevin would disagree but even he had to bow down to his big brother.

After college, Gerald became the senior manager of a chain of restaurants for 4 years. He then moved to Indiana in 1984. He was employed by the Atterbury Job Corps Center as Manager of Security and Center Disciplinary Officer. He was later promoted to Manager of Accountability and Placement. Just as his did in college, Gerald developed friendships that lasted until present day. God was so kind to Gerald that his Indiana family had a chance to visit with him in the hospital in July where he entertained them so, that the intensive care staff put him out!

Gerald had what Relda called a grace gift. He made friends everywhere he went. Almost everyone who met him liked him. He had a smile and an encouraging word for all. However, he had one things that tried his friendships. Gerald thought he was "always" right! He had a favorite saying, "I might not always be right, BUT I'm never wrong!" Just ask his friends about the lively discussions they had because of this belief.

Gerald moved from St. Louis, Missouri, but there was something he couldn't move away from, and that was his love for Relda. He proposed to Relda in December of 1991 after she begged him. That's his story and he's sticking to it!

He relocated back to St. Louis, Missouri, and joined the Mercy Seat Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. James Brown, and was re-baptized. Gerald served faithfully and joyfully with the Male Chorus. He attended Sunday School, Bible Study, and also tutored the youth of Mercy Seat in math. He became more beloved at Mercy Seat than Relda, and she had been there all her life!

Gerald was employed by Father Dunn's Boys' Home, working with young people. This was something he loved doing. Gerald returned to Indiana to work with Atterbury again for a brief time.

In May 1993, Gerald married his life partner, Relda Owens. He commuted from Indiana to St. Louis, Missouri until December 1993 when his dear mother passed. Gerald relocated back to St. Louis, Missouri permanently. He resumed his service at Mercy Seat and joined the male singing group, Sons of Thunder under the direction of Bro. Dello Thedford. Pastor Brown and the Mercy Seat Baptist Church looked out in the congregation and decided that Gerald possessed the biblical characteristics to become a deacon of the church. He was crowned a deacon in 1996. Gerald too this assignment seriously and was grateful and humbled to serve his Lord , his pastor and his church in this manner. He felt that he had come a long way from the boy who had set the record for the most whippings during church.

Gerald was diagnosed with diabetes prior to moving back to St. Louis, Missouri. In 1997, due to complications of diabetes, Gerald began to experience multiple monumental health crises. He experienced amputations and heart failure. In 2004 Gerald had to undergo dialysis. He was on dialysis for 21 years. Throughout all of his health challenges, Gerald rarely complained. He remained hopeful, trusting in the Lord to carry him through. Gerald was often on the phone counseling others about their problems, encouraging them to trust the Lord! Friends and church family often reported they would call or visit Gerald to cheer him up and they left feeling as the ones who had been cheered!

Gerald loved to sing and joined the group, Splen-dour. This helped him share his love for singing with others Gerald sang with the group until his health wouldn't allow him to keep up with rehearsals and performances. Again, Gerald being Gerald, endeared himself to these group members and they became like family.

Gerald has had so many names. He was known to his family as Keith. At CBC, he was Jerry Mathews, not to be mistaken for "the Beaver". He has been called "Son" by Mother, Fudge, Pearl, "P", Big Mac, the Macaroni, "Luther", and most recently "the Gladiator" because of his tenacious desire to fight to the finish the attacks on his body. Yet the name he longed to hear is "servant" and being told by his Lord, "Well done!"

A year ago, Gerald had a fall that led to complications that wouldn't be overcome. He had to be separated from the wife he loved, to be cared for in a nursing facility. Gerald hadn't been able to attend church in person for some time; however, he attended Sunday school as well as Sunday service virtually. He looked forward to hearing his wife teach Sunday school and critiquing her teachings. Then he would virtually go to his brother's church, W.O.R.D. Fellowship. He looked forward to the conversations they had afterwards. Even in this, Gerald's family and friends who were more like family remained close. He never had to feel alone.

On Friday, August 15, 2025, Gerald's body began to weaken. He was taken to Christian Northeast Hospital and placed in intensive care. Gerald, the man who had rallied many times to the surprise of his doctors, grew tired. On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, after many years of illness, Gerald went home to be with his Lord to experience complete healing because all along his soul had been anchored in the Lord!

Those who brought a melody to Gerald's music: Relda, his wife, who loved him dearly through sickness and health; his sisters, Clara Johnson, Brenda Jamison, Adrienne Stevenson, Velda Jamison, LaVette Hamilton, Tara Mathews; his brothers, Clifton Mathews, Christopher Jones, Reginald Jones, Kristian Jones, Wade Jones, Eric Mathews (Latrice), and Averill Mathews; his loving aunt, Margaret Anderson of Florida; uncle, Leon Mathews (Sarah) of Mississippi; sisters-in-law, Laurie Ann Williams and Lynette Spratley; nephews, Trennier Mathews, Christopher Davis (Cherell), Clifton Mathews, Jr. (Natalia), (godson) (Geoffrey Mathews), Dorian Spratley (Tamara); nieces, (goddaughter) Tracie Brown (Timothy), Candace Stevenson, Leigh Ann Mathews, Leslie Mathews, Clarice Mathews, Cheyenne Mathews, Kloe' Atkinson; cousins, John Jones, Alice Johnson, James Marvin Sanders (Andrea), Alison Muhammad (Bobby), Claudette Morton Stamos; goddaughter, Dessirae Hauser (Christopher); brother from another mother, Rev. Keelan Atkinson (Brenda); sisters from another mother, Norma Ivory, Jeanetta Streeter, Jeanette Williams, and Starr Wyatt; Mac Brothers, Splen-dour, Indiana and Mercy Seat families, and many other relatives and friends.