With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Hilder Matthews, 67, of Salters, SC, who passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026.

Remembering

A LIFE WELL LIVED

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."

~ Matthew 5:5 ~

Hilder Marie Woods Matthews was born on February 1, 1959 in Kingstree, South Carolina to the late Paul Chandler and Rosa Bell McClary. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Dianne Brown and Rochelle B. McClary and one brother, William Chandler.

On February 16, 2026, God, in His tender mercy, called Hilder Marie Woods Matthews into eternal rest, leaving behind a life marked by quiet grace, unwavering faith, and a love that spoke louder than words.

Hilder was a woman of serene strength and gentle spirit. She knew and loved the Lord with a quiet devotion that inspired those around her. Her life was a testament to humility, kindness, and faithfulness– a reminder that true impact is often made softly, yet endures forever.

At a young age she attended Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, Salters, SC. She later attended New Kingdom Ministries in Kingstree, SC where she was ordained as a Prophetess and served as secretary, demonstrating her love for God not in a grand gesture, but in everyday expressions of prayer, service, and devotion.

Educated at Kingstree Senior High School, Hilder devoted her career to working at Kingstree Inn Restaurant, a bus driver with Williamsburg County School District and a daycare worker at Little Miss Muffet Day Care Center, approaching her work with integrity, care, and diligence.

She delighted in cooking and baking for others, as well as showing southern hospitality and treasured time spent with family and friends. Her calm presence, reassuring smile, and loving heart left a lasting imprint on all who knew her.

Hilder leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband of 47 years, Dover Matthews of Salters, SC; her children, Arabia Matthews of Manning, SC, Regina Matthews of Florence, SC, Shermeika Matthews of Sumter, SC and Felicia Matthews of Salters, SC; her siblings, Pastor Lou Anglia (Jerry) Pressley of Kingstree, SC, Pastor Julius L. (Serena) McClary of Poinciana, FL, Vern Chandler and Barbara Salters both of Lake City, SC, Marvin (Carol) Henderson, Leroy Henderson and Evangelist Mary Levey all of New Haven, CT; her grandchildren, Meisha Matthews, Shalom Matthews, Kavionia Matthews, and Joshua Cooper; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Diann Williams and Latricia Cunningham both of Salters, SC, Charles Matthews of Moncks Corner, SC, Richard Matthews of New York, NY, Clarence Green of Greeleyville, SC and Larry Griffin of Providence Forge, VA; three special friends of the family, Gloria "Glo" Gibson, Ora Wright and Elder Rita Faison; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Though quiet in spirit, Hilder's life spoke volumes—her unwavering faith, gentle strength, and abiding love will continue to inspire us all who were blessed to know her.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of Kingstree, SC. 843-354-2292 .