Donna Matson

Donna Christine Williams Matson of Kenna passed away on March 23, 2022, at her home, with her family beside her. Donna’s vicious fight with metastatic lung cancer has ended. Donna was born in Charleston WV, on June 19, 1950, the third child of a family of ten children, to Curtis and Nancy Williams of Racine, West Virginia. While her roots were planted in West Virginia, her life took her to many places and many occupations and adventures. She was an autoworker for Chrysler Corporation, she owned her own business, a successful diner in Avondale, PA, worked for many others in the food business, and had great knowledge for management and many lessons for those younger than her years in showing them the rewards of projecting great work ethic. She also became a care giver to her mother, caring for her until she died. In later years she chose to unselfishly leave her Pennsylvania roots, her friends and family to pursue her most important and rewarding job. When she left Pennsylvania to come to West Virginia and provide dependable, constant, and loving child care for her two young grandsons. Her choice to move to provide this care left her son and daughter-in-law the assurance that their small boys were well taken care of by their Granny as they went off to work each day. Donna became known throughout the Jackson County community as she may have served you a meal from any number of restaurant establishments. She worked at Bob Evans, Fratello’s, and Granny’s Grill. She also worked as a caregiver and worked as closing manager at Linda Lou’s in Ripley. In all these endeavors, she met and greeted, and became friends to many in the community. Her raspy voice was a welcome call to those whom she served. She will be remembered as the server with the laughter at Granny’s Grill in Ripley and forever remember her smile. She loved animals and there was never an animal that did not love her. Dogs always sensed that this woman was full of compassion and kindness towards them. She was heartbroken when she had to part with her dog Leila, due to her illness. Donna shared many memories with those who took her back and forth for treatments at WVU-Camden Clark Oncology Center. (Thank you to all of those in that department for the kindness and care given to Donna) a special memory that gave her much comfort and joy, was when she was baptized in Racine Creek in Boone County after accepting Christ as her savior. What a memory and what a wonderful day she remembered as she shared those events! Donna was preceded in death by her parents, and her beloved son Howard Jacob “Jake” Morris, and her only granddaughter Brittany Mare Lafferty. She was also preceded in death by siblings: Curtis Ray, Sue, Jim, George, Candy, and Dema Farmer, who was not only her sister but also her very best friend. Donna will be missed by her children: Steven “Steve” (Erin) Matson of Kenna. Erin and Steve provided excellent care to Donna as she lived with them, during her battle with cancer. Daughter, Sherry (Bill) Lafferty of Supply NC and her step daughters, Jackie Morris and Kelie Morris (of PA). Grandchildren Brock Matson, Luke Matson, David Tibbals (Madison) Ravenswood WV, William “Billy” Lafferty, Joey Lafferty, of Supply NC; Carl VanHeckle (Shannon) Halsboro NC. Two great granddaughters Ivy Tibbals, Ravenswood WV & Annabelle VanHeckle, Halsboro, NC. Donna is also survived by siblings; sister Kay, brother Joe Williams. Also, a special brother and his family, Stanley (Charlene) Williams, Mountain City TN. Very special friends Ed and Billie Wright who have been so good to her, they have become special family members. Many nephews, nieces, friends and acquaintances. Visitation for the family of Donna Matson will be at Waybright’s Funeral Home, 511 Church Street, S., Ripley WV 25271 on Saturday April 2, 2022 from 4 pm until 6 pm. Abiding by her wishes, Donna will be cremated and, her ashes will be interredd at New London, PA with a graveside service at New London Presbyterian Cemetery April 9 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be sent to: Southern Jackson County EMS by giving through the Jackson County Commission, Attn: Julia Gump, P O Box 800, Ripley WV 25271, mark the MEMO of your gift Supplies SJC EMS Team. They have provided excellent care during the past months for Donna, making numerous house calls and numerous transports to Hospital ER’s in Ripley and Parkersburg always with the utmost professionalism and caring. Or because of Donna’s love for animals, you might also choose to give to the Jackson County Animal Shelter, 86 County Farm Road, Cottageville WV 25239. Donna will be missed by those who knew and loved her. May all the love she gave, continue to multiply and may her love always be embedded in family and friends. Rest in Peace Donna.