Charla Louise Matthews

Evangelist Missionary Charla Louise Matthews, 58, obtained her heavenly reward on Jan. 21st, at 6:36 am in Elkhart, IN.

On Nov. 17th, 1964, Charla was born to Silas and Julia Humphries in Kokomo, IN. She started her academic career at St. Patrick Elementary school and graduated from Kokomo High School in May 1983. Charla graduated with an Associate in Information Technology degree from Indiana University-Purdue University Kokomo in Aug. 1994. Later in life, Charla completed her Bachelor of Science degree from Goshen College. She worked at various jobs in Kokomo including Sears, Roebuck & Co., and Electronic Data Systems.

At the age of 16, after hearing of the goodness of Jesus Christ from her older brother, Kevin, Charla accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at Grace Memorial Church of God In Christ in Kokomo, IN. She was introduced to her teaching ministry here.

On Aug. 26, 1989, she married Kirt Matthews, Sr. and moved to Elkhart. They birthed two children: Shanice and Kirt Jr.  Charla was a loving and praying mother. She became a dedicated member of Holy Temple Church of God in Christ, where her Pastor Jeremiah and the late Mother Lillie Belle Matthews, were her beloved leaders. Charla matured in the faith and was licensed as an Evangelist Missionary in 1998. Later, she worked under the leadership of Lady Lori Matthews. Charla served her local church and the E.A. McNeeley District in multiple capacities.

Charla was a co-builder and co-contractor of an originally designed 4-bedroom home. Additionally, she became the landlord of their old home for over 20 years. She also worked for Zimmer - Bristol Myers Squibb as a Computer Operator. Later, she worked for McKesson at Elkhart General Hospital as a Computer Technician and IT representative for over 10 years.

She was certified as a Teacher by the Congress of National Black Churches. After certification, she became active in community outreach as Co-Founder of the Solace Community Outreach for People Enhancement (SCOPE) after-school program, founded in 1992.

Charla will be greatly missed by her loved ones: Husband: Kirt Sr.; Children: Shanice and Kirt Jr. siblings: Darlene (Kenneth); Silas Jr. (Vera); Kevin (Brenetta); and Rhonda. Brother/Sister In-Laws: Carmen (Roger); Derrick (Christy); Scott (Lauren); Nieces: Lashawna (Cole); Latisha (Jonas); Leanna (Raphael); Annah (Courtlon); Brenna; Jessalyn; Skyla; Tiffani; Trinity; Maliya; and Ava. Nephews: Kenneth Jr.; Kevin Jr. (Faith); Silas A.; Dominique; Tristan; Kevin (Kayla); Kyle; Matthew; Tyler; and Tyren.

Charla was preceded in death by her father, Silas Sr.; mother, Julia Ann; and sister, Beatrice (John, surviving).

​Visitation for Charla Louise will be held on Sat., Feb. 4th at 9 am. Service starts at 10 am at Faith United Methodist Church 22045 C.R. 18 in Goshen. Interment will be held at Prairie Street Cemetery in Elkhart. Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Charla was a devout believer, servant of God, loving mother, and friend. She inspired people, named and unnamed, to follow Jesus Christ. We love her and she will be dearly missed.

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