Shirley Jean Knowlton Matthews

Shirley Jean Knowlton Matthews, age 88, of Grovetown, Georgia, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Born in 1937 in Grantsville, Utah, to Vernon and Edna (Hammond) Knowlton, Shirley was a woman of deep faith, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. She married Ronald H Matthews in the Salt Lake Temple in 1960. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service while raising four children.

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Shirley served as a secretary to Elder Richard L. Evans, a General Authority and the host of the long-running production of "Music and the Spoken Word". She loved playing the organ in church, served as a Relief Society President, and later worked in the Newport Beach California Temple. Family and friends naturally sought her out for her wisdom, kindness, and thoughtful counsel.

Shirley was a devoted mother who enthusiastically supported her children in all their endeavors. Her greatest joy was found in her growing posterity. She treasured her role as mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and took genuine interest in the lives of each member of her family.

She was known for her wonderful sense of humor, her quick wit, and her famous saying: "If life were fair, Sister Peterson would be in Israel." She also enjoyed crossword puzzles and was admired for her beautiful penmanship.

Shirley and Ron made their home in Utah, Oregon, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, and finally Georgia, where they enjoyed their later years surrounded by family and friends.

Shirley is survived by her beloved husband, Ron Matthews; her children, Scott Matthews (Julie), Mark Matthews (Barbara), Lisa Dahl (Kim) and Jana Mitchell (Kirk). She is also survived by her siblings, Elaine Brock (Ted), Lee Knowlton (Susan) and Barbara Lemmon (Greg); 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Services for Shirley will be announced at a later date.

Shirley's legacy of faith, kindness, service, and devotion to family will continue to bless the lives of all who knew and loved her.