Obituary of Merlyn Veronica Matthews

Merlyn Veronica Matthews of Monticello passed away on Monday, September 26, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family. She was 76. 

She was the daughter of the late Esther Liberty and Henry Ifill, born on March 22, 1946 in Trinidad and Tobago. 

Merlyn was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Monticello, where her late husband Rev. James L. Matthews presided for many years. During her many years at the church as First Lady, she left countless memories and a lifetime of stories to share with the future members. Throughout her time and work at the church she was recognized on the local and statewide officer level. She was a chairperson for the Missionary Committee at the church, the President of The Central Hudson Baptist Association, Ministers Wives and Widows Auxiliary and always had a kind and welcoming personality. In her free time, she enjoyed cooking and baking, but most of all spending time with her family. She was a loving mother and grandmother who always made her home a warm and welcoming place for all to come and visit. She will be missed by everyone that knew and loved her. 

She leaves behind to cherish her memory; her son Dion Yearwood and her daughter Denessa Yearwood, her grandchildren Dion Troix Yearwood, Alexis Yearwood, Sierra Grant, Savion Grant, Nylania Yearwood, Kaylie Robinson, Alajiha, Robinson, Makaila Robinson, and Raleek Robinson, her siblings, Rev. Canon Angela S. Ifill, Hillary Ifill, Aldwyn Ifill, Theresa Jeffers, and Ashley Bloom who she helped raised, and a host of friends.  

Visitation will be on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at The First Baptist Church of Monticello, 28 Liberty Street, Monticello, NY 12701 from 11:00am-12:00pm. A funeral service will begin at the church at 12:00pm. Interment will follow at Rock Ridge Cemetery, Monticello, NY.   

Arrangements were under the care of Colonial Family Funeral Home, for further information please call 845-794-2700 or visit www.colonialfamilyfuneralhomes.com.   

VIEW FUNERAL SERVICE HERE.

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