Obituary of Jerome Matthews

Jerome “Sonny” Matthews, a longtime New Jersey resident, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 at the age of 82. 

Jerome leaves behind his beloved wife of 59 years, Jennifer Matthews (née Henry); his cherished daughters Jenee Nash and her husband Richard, and Nicole Matthews; three treasured granddaughters Jade, Lauryn, and Gabrielle; eight siblings Annie (Shaler Sr.) 

deceased, Arnold (Judith), Robert (Gail) deceased, Manuel (Tierney), Glenn(Cynthia), Gayle, Cathy (George), Nancy and special sister Hazel; his godchildren, Rashad and Zuleha Jones. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins both living and deceased. 

In addition to his parents, Jerome was preceded in death by his sisters Lily(survived by Samuel), and Wendy (Albert) deceased. 

Born in Yemassee, SC on February 15th, 1943, to the late Manuel and Jessie Matthews (née Badger). Jerome was the eldest son of this union. The family moved from South Carolina to New Jersey when he was 4, settling in Jersey City. 

After graduating from James Ferris High School, Jerome took up work on an assembly line at Emerson Radio. He then went on to work in chemical plants mixing chemicals to make fireproof products for about 40 years. After leaving the chemical business, Jerome’s second career was in real estate. He worked as a Real Estate broker for Weichert Realtors where he received awards for Outstanding Achievement in the Rental Division as well as the President’s Award from the Liberty Board of Realtors. In 2004, he became President of the Hudson County division of the Board of Realtors. 

Jerome met his beloved wife Jennifer at a mutual friend’s wedding. He was a groomsman and Jennifer was a guest. The couple were married on April 23rd,1966. They became the proud parents of two daughters. Jerome was a family man through and through. Whether it was with his siblings, children, or his grandchildren, Jerome thrived when in the presence of family. 

As an avid sports fan, he had an affinity for all New York sports teams. During his high school career, Jerome ran track and dabbled in basketball. He was offered a track scholarship. Jerome enjoyed travelling with his family and had a fondness for new and shiny cars. 

Jerome will be sorely missed by all who knew him. His family will forever treasure his memory, and they take comfort in knowing he is at peace. 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for Jerome on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. followed by a 10:00 a.m. funeral service all held at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

Interment will be held privately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Jerome’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60603.