Ursula Ineta Matthew

Ursula Ineta Matthew transitioned on Wednesday January 26, 2022 in Maryview Medical Center Portsmouth, Virginia

Ursula Ineta Matthew better known as “Baba” was born on the island of Antigua and Barbuda to late Lucille Benjamin and Ethan James. She was Uplifting, Remarkable, Supportive, Unique, Loving, and Amazing. Just in case you didn’t notice, this spells Ursula. I know that she is enjoying all the attention while looking down thinking, “Wow! I am really Loved!”

She had a passion for baking, cleaning, cooking, decorating, gardening, sewing, cross word puzzles, sharing daily devotions, and do NOT forget her love for hats. Every church outfit was complimented with a dazzling hat. She even did a segment that included hats with Ms. Gordon at the Seventh Day Adventist school fashion show. Talk about hats galore! It was a spectacular sight to see. As you can tell, she was passionate about many things and truly believed in living her life on her terms.

Ursula was a God-fearing woman who attended and participated in church activities regularly. If she was not in attendance, which was very rare, you knew that she was not feeling well. She was a member of the Philadelphia Seventh Day Adventist church, Antigua Girls Club, President of the Scholar Ladies Club, and Community Outreach group. She had a special interest in Christian education where all of her children attended the Seventh Day Adventist schools, whether they lived in Antigua or St. Thomas, USVI. She believed that early childhood learning was the most important part of a child’s education.

Not only was she a church going person, but she was very family oriented. She made sure all her children were well taken care of and took them to the hairdresser or barber every Friday.  She always had an open-door policy and was ready to help anyone in need. There was never a time where she wouldn’t take the shirt off her back to give it to someone in need even if it meant that she would be cold.

Her favorite quote was “Why put off what can be done now for tomorrow.” This is what drove her to her greatest accomplishment, which was starting her own business, named Matthew’s Commercial Enterprises. She worked diligently until she was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension in 2007. After her diagnosis, she relocated to Virginia for medical care and transferred her church membership to the Chesapeake Seventh Day Adventist church where she continued sharing her love for her community. She prepared multiple meals for her church family and touched as many lives as she could.

Shortly after her move, she was joined by her daughter, son in law, and grandchildren. Later she was joined by her late husband. Ursula took on a new role as grandmother. She was a wonderful grandmother who doted over her grandchildren. They became her world and she kept them around her constantly. The children called her “Ma” and she carried that title with pride. The house was always filled with laughter and her unconditional love. There was never a time where you wouldn’t hear their little voice saying “hello” on the phone with her.

On January 27, 2022, God called His child home. Ursula was greatness and she was loved. She will be truly missed.

If she could say one more thing today, she would say “To my Family and friends, don’t grieve for me, for now I am free. I’m following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard him call; I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day to laugh, love, work, or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way; I found that place at the close of day. If parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared a laugh, family shared lots of hugs and kisses. Ah, yes, these things I would miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I savored much! Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift your heart and share with me God wanted me now, so he has set me free.”

Memories last a lifetime only if you share them.

On behalf of the family, we encourage you share your personal experiences and preserve the memory of Ursula for future generations to come.

Be the first to post your most treasured memory of Ursula. Show your support by sharing a personal message or story on the tribute wall, meaningful photo or video, and/or sending a gift or flower.

Follow us:
Facebook at E. Vaughn Wray Funeral Establishment
Instagram @evaughnwray