Karen Dean Matthewson

Karen Dean Clemons was born in St. Louis, Missouri on January 14 1973, to her biological parents Gloria Smith and Jerome Stanford. Raised by Georgia Dean Clemons and Ralph Daniel Clemons in San Diego, California, she attended Morse High School and graduated with honors in 1991.
Married to her first husband, John Demps, she gave birth to Deidre Clemons in 1992. She was her daughter’s hero in life, and instilled courage and strength to her following three children. For 3 years Karen was an entertainer in a band, were she enjoyed singing, dancing and she also was a professional tambourine player, hard-worker as a caregiver and phlebotomist. Aside from entertaining, she loved to exercise her skills as a hairstylist and cook for friends and family. Karen loved to sing to her children. Her most favorite song that she would dedicate to them was “Wind beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler.
Karen met Ruben Matthewson in 1997, they later married in 2003. They have been through thick and thin together but always loved each other dearly and stuck by each other. They had 3 sons together Ezell Matthewson, John Demps and Josiah Matthewson. She was a very spiritual person and was raised in the Greater Harvest Church of God and Christ in San Diego. Later on during her life she joined the South bay Pentecostal Church and continued with the Pentecostal faith.
She leaves behind 4 siblings Shonetella Clemons, Aline Clemons and Ernest Smith, Tarquita Clemons. Mother in law Geraldine Jamerson, Father in law Orman Matthewson, brother and sisters in laws the Matthewson and Rice families. Other relatives, Aunts Eleonora Smith, Delores Smith and Uncle Georgy Boy and her only granddaughter, Ashling Davis. Along with a host of her aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Karen was strong, beautiful and lively, with courage and strength, she persevered despite the battle of cancer. She always stood for positivity, love and happiness.
Close friends and family will always love, remember and keep Karen Matthewson in their hearts and minds