Ericka Renee Matthews

Peacefully, on Thursday, August 27, 2026, an angel of mercy entered Wesley Long Hospital in Greensboro, North Carolina, to relieve our beloved Deaconess Ericka Renee' Matthews of her long illness. "Peace, be still" was gently whispered, and a loving hand drew her near, calling her from labor to eternal rest.

Erica Renee' Matthews, affectionately known to family and friends as "Rikki," was born on June 3, 1959, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Sarah Pauline Harris and Melvin Eugene Harris. From an early age, faith was an important part of her life. She attended United Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of the Reverend G.E. Vanderford, where the foundation of her Christian faith was nurtured.

Erica was educated in the Baltimore County Public School system and graduated from Catonsville High School in 1977. A woman who valued education and personal achievement, she continued her studies at Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Criminal Justice Administration. Her pursuit of higher education later led her to Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she earned a Master of Education and an Education Specialist degree.

Ericka dedicated much of her professional life to serving others. Her career included service as a Behavioral Specialist at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School, work with Project FLAVOR at South Carolina State University, and served as a Project Director with CALM Service. Due to health concerns, she eventually retired from her professional career.

Family was at the center of Erica's life. On November 3, 1997, she met the man who would become her loving companion and husband, John Lee "Jay" Matthews. after sharing more than two decades of life and love together, Ericka and Jay were united in marriage on April 11, 2020, in High Point, North Carolina. She was a loving and devoted wife who treasured her husband and the life they shared. Their relationship was marked by companionship, commitment, laughter, and a love that remained, steadfast through every season.

Ericka was also a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Family always came first. Those who knew her well knew that Ericka was loving, passionate, caring, honest-and, when necessary, lovingly bossy. Her strong personality was part of part what made her uniquely Ericka. She loved deeply, spoke honestly, and cared fiercely for the people she called family.

In 2015, Bishop James F. Brown III and Lady Gail Brown planted Greater Harvest Fellowship in Greensboro, North Carolina, under the jurisdiction of Global Harvest Fellowship, and appointed Pastor Seneca Brwon to serve as its pastor. Ericka was one of the founding members of the newly established ministry, faithfully supporting the vision and work of the church from its beginning. As Global Harvest Fellowship later expanded its ministry to High Point, North Carolina establishing "The Thinking Church of High Point," Ericka remained faithfully connected to the ministry under the leadership of Bishop James F. Brown III. There, she continued her service and became an iconic example of faithfulness and commitment to ministry. She holds a special place in the church's history as its first Deaconess, having been ordained to the sacred office of Deacon on August 17, 2025. She also served faithfully on the Pastor's Aide Committee in service to Bishop James F. Brown III and was a trusted and dependable assistant to Lady Gail Brown. She chaired church in anniversary celebrations and played an instrumental role in organizing countless church events and special programs throughout the years. If there was work to be done, Ericka would always be counted on to help get it done.

Through the challenges and changing seasons of her life, Ericka's declaration remained simple yet steadfast: "I trust God." Those three words reflected the faith by which she endeavored to live. The Gospel of John was her favorite book of the Bible, which she read in its entirety and treasured for its message of faith and life in Christ. It is fitting that one of her favorite songs was "Lord Prepare Me to Be a Sanctuary," which reflected her life of devotion and service unto God. During praise and worship, Ericka's soft voice could often be heard joining in the songs of the church, offering her own quiet expression of praise unto God.

Erica's compassion for others extended far beyond the walls of the church. More than 25 years ago, while living in Orangeburg, South Carolina, she founded Sister Sister, a non-profit organization created to encourage, support, and empower girls and young women. Through Sister Sister, Ericka poured into their lives, helping them recognize their value, develop their potential, and become confident in who they were.

Her commitment to helping others continued throughout her life. She later served as a board member of The Secret Closet Resource Center, generously giving her time, talents, and presence to help meet the needs of others. She was also a FaithHealth Supporter at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, dedicating many volunteer hours to helping connect faith communities to individuals and families to provide needed humanitarian resources.

Ericka possessed many gifts and interests. She enjoyed shopping, reading, journaling, creating beautiful gifts baskets, and arranging flowers. She had an eye for beauty and presentation and was well known for her impeccable fashion and, her nails. Ericka knew how to make an entrance and believed in presenting herself with style. She especially treasured wearing her mother's hats, which allowed her to carry a special reminder of her mother while adding Ericka's own distinctive touch of style. Yet beneath the fashion and flair was a generous heart, a caring spirit, and a woman who found joy in giving to others.

Friendship was also one of Ericka's treasured gifts. She shared special bonds with those who became family not merely by blood, but by love. She cherished her lifelong sister and best friend, Jane Winningham, whose friendship spanned the years and whose love was demonstrated not only in words, but in her presence, support, and tender care she provided to Ericka when she needed it most. Ericka shared a special sisterly bond with Pastor Gail Brown, whom she affectionately called "Lady." She also shared a special sisterhood with her beloved Jazzy Girls: Jasmin Lloyd, Lisa Hood, Sharketha Lindsay, and Brandi Frasier. These friendship brought laughter, companionship treasured memories, and love into her life.

Ericka was preceded in death   mother, Sarah Pauline Harris; her grandparents, Evelyn Carter and Wiliam R. Carter; her nephew, Brandon L. Marine; and her stepson, Lason J. Butler.

Left to cherish her life, love, and precious memories are her loving and devoted husband, John Lee Matthews; two daughters, Shayla Tschantrea Battle, and her husband, Arthur C. battle III, and Kyhauna Tschantres Thomas; two loving stepsons and seven loving stepdaughters; five grandchildren, Ni'Jay Tschantrez Hill, Janiah Tschantree' Wilmore, Alayah Tschantrel Thomas, Ni'Lah Tschantree' Collene Battle, and Journii Marie Parker; and one great-granddaughter, Ni'Ella Promise Tschantravae Hill.

She also leaves to cherish her memory, her sister, Antoinia A. Alexander; two brothers, Troy F. Harris and Dante' T. Harris (Yaira); her lifelong sister and best friend, Jane Winningham; her devoted nieces, Kateera C. Harris; Kira T. Robinson (Archie); the father of her children and dear friend, Malcolm A. Lynch; her cherished friend, Lady Gail Brown, her loving Jazzy Girls, Jasmine Lloyd, Lisa Hood, Sharketha Lindsay, and Brandi Frasier; along with a host of extended family members, church family, friends, loved ones, and all whose lives were touched by her love and generosity.

Deaconess Ericka Renee' Matthews lived a life characterized by faith, family, service, education, generosity, and love. She served faithfully, loved deeply, gave generously, dressed beautifully, spoke honestly, and left her unmistakable imprint wherever she went. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the people she helped, the ministry she strengthened, and the family and friends she loved. Though her earthly labor has ended, the seeds she planted in her family, her church, and her community will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.

Her voice may now be silent, and her place among us may be empty, but the love she gave, the faith she demonstrated, the lives she touched, and the memories she created will remain.