Sarah Alexine Robinson Matthews

Mrs. Sarah Alexine Robinson Matthews, age 90 of Franklin, TN passed away March 11, 2025. She was born in Franklin, TN and graduated from Franklin Training School.

She and her family were recently (2025) recognized by the African American Heritage Society as a pioneer family in Williamson County.

Mrs. Matthews was a Patient Care Technician (PCP) at St. Thomas Hospital for 25 years before her stroke in 2008. After this she became totally dependent for 16 years, where her devoted daughter was there for her and tried to be there for her every need.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jim and Anna Mell Robinson; husband Harvey Charles Matthews; sisters and their spouses Mrs. Jimmy Mai (George) Jones, Mrs. Anna Louise (John) Hickerson and Mrs. Geraline (Mathis) Dobbins.

She is survived by her devoted daughter Anita Reneé Norris; devoted caregivers Chris Belcher and Travis Norris; supportive niece Gwen Hickerson; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Additionally, she is survived by her bonus children Senecca Leach, Michael, Harvey Jr. and Greg Matthews; bonus nephew Michael Robinson.

Sarah’s family never let her illness define her. They continued their adventures by going on road trips, picnics, shopping, late night runs, family gatherings and in September a 90th birthday party. On their many road trips they went to Sam’s Town, the winery, zoo, and bowling.

She was very loved and her family is going to miss her amazing, sarcastic personality and all the laughs they shared with her. Some of the things she always said that made them laugh was: “I want a Klondike bar”, “That’s what you say”, “I’m scared to death”, “I’ll beat you with my poker”, “You know it”, “What time is it?”, “Where’s Jimmy?”, “What ShaKhyra doing?” and “Why not?”.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude for your prayers, gestures of sympathy and acts of kindness. A special thanks to Dr. Sussman, Dr. Murry, Dr. Deeter, Kim and the team at Alive Hospice, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and special friends Brandon Meadoux and MaryAnn Hunter. 

A funeral service will be held at 2PM Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Williamson Memorial Gardens with nephews serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Travis Norris, Jimmy Johnson, Stanley McLay and Tommy Anderson. Visitation with the family will be 12:00PM-2:00PM prior to the service.