Jerry Harvey Matson, Sr.

June 12, 1940 - May 5, 2018

06/12/1940 - 05/05/2018

Past Services

Cemetery
Saturday May 12, 2018
Woodlawn Memorial Gardens
6309 E Virginia Beach Blvd.
Norfolk, Virginia 23502
757-461-4054 | Directions
Additional Information:

Interment

Visitation
Saturday May 12, 2018
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Southside Chapel
5033 Rouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 422-4000 | Directions
Service
Saturday May 12, 2018
1:00 pm
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Southside Chapel
5033 Rouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 422-4000 | Directions

Jerry Harvey Matson, Sr., 77, fought a valiant battle to recover from abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery, but the Lord he loved supremely saw fit to take him home to Heaven on May 5, 2018.  He was born in Sarasota, Florida to William and Rotha Matson on June 12, 1940.  He was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, William Jr. and John, infant daughter, Gloria, and infant grandson, Jesse.
On his 26th birthday, the Lord Jesus gave him the new birth which radically changed his life.  He went from banker to Bible college student.  In 1973 Jerry began serving Him in the gospel ministry full time and moved with his family to Norfolk in 1978.  Since that time, he has boarded innumerable merchant ships, bringing the news of salvation through Christ to merchant seamen from around the world through the Lighthouse Baptist Seamen’s Mission.  He founded Fundamental Missions, Inc. in 1980, to oversee this missionary endeavor. He has also pastored the Harbour Light Baptist Church since 1989, with a special love for the children of the Lambert’s Point neighborhood.  He was on the board of the GraceWay Bible Society for over 30 years.  He also enjoyed being an umpire and assistant coach on many sports teams with which his sons participated.
Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Janet.  He also leaves his six children, who have been so loving and supportive in his illness.  These include daughters Marcella (Marci) Mongold (Glenn), Jeanine Drylie (Russel), Miriam Matson, and sons Jerry (Jay) Matson Jr. (Donna), David Matson (Stephanie) and Paul Matson. His grandchildren number 23, with 21 great-grandchildren.  A sister, Pamela VanAlstine, nieces and nephews also survive him.
A time of visitation will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, May 12, at Altmeyer Funeral Home (5792 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach) with the memorial service following at 1:00 PM., led by Pastor Gaylord DeMoure, Jerry’s longtime friend from Kansas. Burial will be at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.
The family would like to especially thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Vascular ICU at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for their expert care of Jerry for 62 days.
Please leave your memories of Jerry online at www.altmeyerfh.com Donations may be made to Harbour Light Baptist Church, P.O. Box 6247, Norfolk, VA 23508 in his memory.  All glory to Jesus for the life He gave our precious husband, father, grandfather, pastor and friend!

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Thomas & Libby Widgeon
5 years ago

Sorry For Your Loss!
Jesus Loves Me!

Lawrence (Larry) and Carol Clarke
5 years ago

There are few people that I have met during my 75+ years that demonstrate the attempt to strive for so many of Christ qualities. A humble man called by God and serving Him faithfully. Janet’s portrayal of Jerry’s ups and downs since surgery read like a Masterpiece Theatre love story. Hallmark Theater should b e banging at the doors now. Their children are a living testimony to how God can work in our children’s lives if we allow God free reign under biblical leadership and guidance. While many families would be sad at such as time as this, I am sure this family is rejoicing with glad pleasure in knowing that Jerry has safely arrived at home. Jerry epitomizes the phrase “The meaning of live is to give life meaning”. God provides the tool kit “His Word”. We simply needs to join the effort from apprentice to journeyman to master in the use of the tool kit, testifying to God’s goodness each step of the way. I will miss your presence good friend. I only hope when I get to the table, God will find me a servant worthy to sit near the two of you. In Christ will, Larry and Carol Clarke

Richard Stephens
5 years ago

I did not have the opportunity to meet Jerry, but if his son David is an indication of the type of man he was, he was truly remarkable. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Roger Stinnette
5 years ago

On behalf of Suffolk Fire our condolences to you and your family , you all are in our prayers

John C Vaughn
5 years ago

So many memories! Jerry gave me good counsel on where to go to school to prepare for the ministry–forty yeas ago! You dear folks have been missionaries of our church for most of those years. I will never forget the day I spent with him boarding ships and presenting the gospel to a man who spoke no English whatsoever. Jerry showed me how to find the “gospel verses” and point to them in a bible in his language. I was amazed to see the man trust Christ because Jerry had it made it so easy for him to understand and choose. God bless you dear folks. John Vaughn

Linda Dawson
5 years ago

Miriam, my heart felt condolences to you and your family over the loss of your father. You are in my prayers