Veronica “Roni” E. Matthews
Somerville Veronica “Roni” Matthews passed away at the age of 87, on Sunday January 12, 2025, at Falkville Medical Center. A funeral service was held January 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Peck Funeral Home with Rev. T. Reynolds Hall and Rev. Donald Sculley officiating. The burial was at Burningtree Memorial Gardens. She was born in August of 1937 to James and Bridget Smith, in Bootle, England. Her childhood was spent growing up with her five siblings in the row houses, near the shores of the Irish Sea and the banks of the River Mersey. Growing up during the “war years,” she vividly remembered the wailing of the air raid sirens warning of the incoming Luftwaffe, being rushed into the air raid shelters, and the German bombings that destroyed their family home. At the age of 17, shortly after her father’s death, she immigrated to the United States with the help of her sister and brotherin-law, Kathleen and Billy Jack Marsh USAF. Residing with them at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, life began to take a different course. New friends were made, who encouraged her, and eventually led her to Jesus Christ, whom she accepted at a small church in Montgomery. She stayed in Montgomery after her brother-inlaw’s transfer, working various jobs and staying with close friends. In 1961 she enrolled in Southeastern Bible College in Birmingham. She worked in the school cafeteria and at Birmingham Children’s Hospital to pay for tuition. In 1964 she received her degree in Christian Education. Shortly thereafter, she accepted a position at Pensacola Christian School, where she taught and served as librarian. In 1966, while living in Pensacola, she became a Naturalized citizen. Life would then take another interesting turn. A fellow staff member and friend told her of an “eligible bachelor” in Decatur that she should meet. Soon indirect introductions were made, and the two began writing letters to one another. A relationship soon formed, fondness developed, and it was agreed they would meet for a “blind date” at Southeastern Bible College. After the two met, a courtship ensued and they were married in July 1967. James and Roni celebrated 53 years of marriage before his passing in 2020. They have two surviving sons, Steven and Daniel (Solita), seven grandchildren and her two brothers, James “Jim” Silversmith and Gerald “Jeggs” Smith. Roni was actively involved in many church and school endeavors during the years, serving in many capacities at Grace Baptist Church and school in Decatur, and Bethel Baptist Church and school in Hartselle. She always looked out for the “little guy” and was always perceptive to those in want and need. She was a wonderful mother, committed and dutiful wife and caring and available friend. Having never lost her “British ways,” she was always quick with a disarming insult and stabbingly humorous sarcasm. We will miss her dearly.
