Annie Virginia Alcorn Matthews was born on Sunday, September 29, 1909, one of nine children born to Tobias and Hester Alcorn. Affectionately known as “Mama Annie”, she began her spiritual journey at Brighton Methodist Church.  When Brighton was closed, she and her family joined Sharp Street United Methodist Church.  Mama Annie later joined Wesleyan Fellowship and then Queen’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Beltsville, MD.  Mama Annie was very active in all the churches she attended.  She was also very dedicated to community work.  She was a leader with the Girl Scouts, Brownies and 4-H Club.  She participated in  the local American Legion Auxiliary, Civic Association, Homemakers Club, Naomi Household of Ruth and was a charter member of the Mutual Memorial Cemetery Committee working tirelessly to assure its preservation.

 

Mama Annie married the late Alvin Matthews.  From this union four children were born; Basil, Alice, Grace and Cora.

 

During her century and a decade of life, there were times when the words of Langston Hughes’ poem, Mother to Son, “...Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair…”, were symbolic of her life.  However, the words of Amanda Gorman’s poem, The Hill We Climb is a direct reflection of Mama Annie’s tenacity, dedication, strength and belief in God, “...for there is always light.  If only we’re brave enough to see it.  If only we’re brave enough to be it.”  

 

Mama Annie was “on loan” to us for 110 years!  She gained her angel wings on December 12, 2019. We appreciate and thank Mama Annie for leaving us with her spirit filled legacy.