Duke A. Matthews, 52, of Middleburg, FL died unexpectedly on Tuesday July 17, 2007. He was the husband of Nicole (Ferguson) Matthews.
Born on June 17, 1955 in Bourne, the son of Carol (Martin) Matthews of New Bedford and the late William Matthews, he lived in New Bedford and Martha's Vineyard most of his life before moving to Middleburg, in 2005.
Mr. Matthews was a skilled carpenter, learning the trade from his father.
He was an Elder at the United House of Prayer For All People in Jacksonville and started the Lifeline program.
He was a member of the Black Panther Party in the late 1960's and early 1970's, when he devoted much of his life to the struggle for equal rights for all minorities and disadvantaged people. He was also one of the founders of the Free Breakfast Program and Food Program, which distributed food throughout the New Bedford area.
Duke loved to spend time with his loving family and friends who will miss him dearly.
Survivors include his wife of 10 years; his mother; his children, Troy Toon, Nicole Matthews, Dukus Matthews, Valenti Baptiste, Joshua Matthews, William Matthews, Chalia Matthews, Tiara Lee and Elijah Matthews; his brothers and sisters, Susan DaSilva, Elizabeth Verdeccia, Benjamin Matthews, Jeffrey Matthews, Victor Matthews and John Matthews; 11 grandchildren; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was the brother of the late Reneé Matthews.
His Homegoing Service will be held on Monday at 10 AM in the United House of Prayer For All People, 416 Kempton St. New Bedford. Burial will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Wareham. Visiting hours Sunday 5-9 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.