of Conway, AR

March 4, 1920 - September 24, 2017

Ethelene Sanders Matlock-Mamatene to her family-passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2017 at the age of 97. She was born March 4th, 1920 in Noble, Louisiana, the daughter of Marshall Augustus and Cora Russell Sanders. She received her education in the Watson Chapel School District, graduating in 1938. After working 25 years as a beautician, she fulfilled a life-long dream of attending college by enrolling at the University of Arkansas-Monticello in 1968. She received a bachelor's degree in elementary education, graduating with honors, and then taught for several years in the Pine Bluff and Watson chapel School Districts.

At the age of ten, she asked Jesus to be her Lord and Savior, and served him faithfully for the remainder of her life in churches in Pine Bluff and Fort Smith. She spent decades teaching and working with young people, young married couples, and senior women in Sunday School. She had a special love for missions, and her Christian service included work with the Baptist WMU and groups such as Friendship International. She was a bold witness of her faith in Christ and never hesitated to share the Good News of the Gospel wherever she went. When declining health no longer permitted her to attend church, she was a prayer warrior from her home.

Mamatene was a loving and faithful companion to her husband, Leo, for the 70+ years of their marriage. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were a source of great joy for her.

She was pre-deceased by her husband, Leo Matlock, sons, Stephen Matlock, Ross Matlock, Russell Matlock, great ''''granddaughter, Eloise Owen, and her seven siblings. She is survived by daughters, Tana Pointer (Harold) of Pine Bluff, Melissa Knight (George) of Sugarland, Texas, Kathy Owen (Johnny) of Conway, eight grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the very special staff and residents of College Square Retirement Community for providing her with a wonderful home for ten years, Cynthia Tillman and Erma Casey who provided helping hands, Heritage Living Center and Kindred Hospice who brought comfort in the last weeks of her life. Most of all, we thank Barbara Buerer and Donna Christie whose compassion and care allowed her to remain in her home at College Square for the last three years of her life.

Memorials may be given to a mission effort through your local church. A private family funeral was arranged through Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway with burial at the Arkansas Veterans' Cemetery.

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