Rosalyn Lee Matthews, 97, died peacefully at home on December 30, 2025, surrounded by family. 

Born in Henderson, NC, on December 6, 1928, she moved with her family to Charleston, then to Spartanburg County, and ultimately to Columbia, SC, where she attended Columbia High School and the University of South Carolina, graduating in 1950 with a degree in English Education. She spent more than 30 years as a highly respected English teacher at Northside Middle School in West Columbia and was known for her expert knowledge and practice of English grammar, her love of poetry, and her kindness toward all of her students. Rosalyn loved to read, study her Bible, and teach Sunday School at Park Street Baptist Church, where she was a devoted member for more than 80 years. She was also an accomplished pianist. She loved her family, friends, and neighbors, cherishing everyone and demonstrating true southern hospitality. Most importantly, she was a “daughter of the King,” a faithful servant of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She shared her faith openly with everyone she met.

Rosalyn was blessed and uplifted for many of her senior years by special friends. Linwood O’Briant was a devoted friend and companion in their later years. Anne Beasley and Dessa Beasley, college friends, were not only confidantes but truly “sisters” for more than 50 years. Rosalyn treasured her friendships, including many from her teaching days. Bonds like these not only blessed Rosalyn but also comforted her family.

Rosalyn was preceded in death by her parents, Rosa and Robert Lee, her son John, her son-in-law Eric Steckel, and her brother, Bobby. She was also preceded in death by J. D. Matthews, the father of her three children. She is survived by her daughter, Lynn Steckel, her son, Lee Matthews (Jannas), and her daughter-in-law, Eugenia Matthews, as well as her grandchildren: Mark Steckel (Brandi), Laurel Archie (Kevin), Logan Stallings (Will), Faith Burgard (Ethan), Hannah Matthews, Christopher Matthews (Kristen), Stephen Matthews, Ralph Matthews (Sara), and David Matthews (Rachel Berry). She was blessed with 14 great-grandchildren: June, Jack, Ellis, Nat, Zuzu, Liam, Brooks, Stevie, Teddy, Caroline, Bennett, Helen, Laura, and Chip.

Rosalyn will be remembered for her deep faith, her love for family and friends, and her friendly and gracious manner.

A private graveside service will be held Friday, with a celebration of life service for family and friends to be announced at a later date.