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Mr. S. Dean Matthews, age, 88, passed away peacefully Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at his home in Andalusia, Alabama.

Dean was born in Brooklyn, Alabama, on Sept. 29, 1935, to Edmund Demetrius Matthews Jr. and Ruby Dean Matthews. Dean was a graduate of Opp High School and Howard College (Samford University). Dean was a Southern Baptist pastor for over 50 years. He retired from active ministry in the pulpit in 2018 after serving at Bermuda Baptist Church since 1999. Prior to that, he served beloved congregations at Zion Hill Baptist (Brewton), Long Branch Baptist (Cohassett), Red Level Baptist, and churches in Wilcox, Autauga, and Etowah counties. Dean fiercely loved his family, never met a stranger, and was an avid outdoorsman.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dale Matthews; and his sister, Dana Matthews Hartley. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Julia Brown Matthews; son, Quinton Dean Matthews (Amy) and daughter, Katherine Matthews Odom (Kiel); grandchildren, Mary Wellesley Matthews, William Dean Matthews, Matthew Palmer Odom, Elijah Blue Odom, and John Michael Odom; brother, Scott Matthews (Charlotte) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services were Tuesday, Dec. 19, 12:30 p.m., at Andalusia Memorial Cemetery with Brother Josh Wilson presiding. Visitation began Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Foreman Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Southside Baptist Church, 1213 West Bypass, Andalusia, AL  36420.