Mrs. Matilda Deal

August 27, 1935 - March 24, 2020

Matilda Bonds was born August 27, 1935 to Henry and Rosie Lee Owens in Holub-Lee County. She accepted Christ at an early age and later joined Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Lee Hamilton. When she moved to Forrest City, she joined New Light Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Jessie McClure until his death, and currently under the leadership of Reverend Michael McGruder, where she served on the Usher Board for over sixty years. She loved attending church, singing programs, cooking for her family, and laughing and enjoying life. Her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren were her life. She worked from 1981 until 1993 at the Crestpark Retirement Inn as a CNA. She was married to James McDowell, and he preceded her in death. She later married Theadore Deal, and he also preceded her in death. In addition, she is preceded in death by her parents—Henry and Rosie Lee Owens Bonds; one son—Charles McDowell; and two daughters—Loriann and Gloria McDowell. Matilda Deal leaves to cherish her memories her children—James Lee McDowell, Blanche Weeams, Larry McDowell (Ollie), Mary McDowell, David McDowell, Edward McDowell (Louella), Diane Holloway, James McDowell, Jerry McDowell, Lucius Rogers, Louis Rogers (Misty), Martha McDowell, and Tomicho McDowell (Maurice); her brothers and sisters—Charlie Bonds, Louise Adkins, Catherine Brown, Odessa Isom (John), Mary Robinson (John), Millie May Bonds, Dorothy Jones (Willie), Henry Bonds (Mary), and Ethel Wiley (John); thirty eight grandchildren; seventy-five grandchildren; twenty-five great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.