Bernice Matthews

Bernice was born on February 7, 1940 to the late Geraldine and Daniel Riley. She was the 4th of 13 children. She gained her wings on Thursday, April 22, 2026 with her daughter Katrina by her side.

Bernice lived a simple and quiet life. She was happiest when she was surrounded by her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. She also loved spending time with her siblings. Whenever the "oldies" was played she loved to hand dance, throwing her partner all around the dance floor. On any given day, you may find her watching TV or completing a word search puzzle. Bernice accepted Christ into her life in 2006 at The Church of The Great Commission.

Bernice affectionally known as "Bern" matriculated through the D.C. Public School System. Later she met and entered into a domesticated relationship with Edward Matthews. She went on to work at the Pentagon for ARA Food Service for over 50 years, where she eventually retired as a Food Service Supervisor. She loved that job, arising every morning at 4:00 am without ever being late. She was so dedicated to that job that she was in the building shutting down when the plane crashed into the Pentagon on 911. She refused to leave until she had completely shut down; now that’s dedication! She was equally as dedicated to her children.

Bernice leaves behind her four children; Michael Riley, Gregory Riley (Glenda), Katrina Riley-Sawyer (Aaron) and Celeste Matthews; four grandchildren, Lionel Riley, Tamesha Hawkins (Antwan), Aaron Sawyer and Nico Peyton; seven great-grandchildren Rico and Lionel Riley (Nartasha), Amari and Aiden Hawkins, Caliel and Londyn Peyton and Amir Sawyer, all of whom brought her immense pride and happiness. Additionally, she leaves one sister, Thelma White and two brothers, Kenneth and Bernard Riley; two special daughters Donna Williams and Rita May, and brother-in-law Andrew Peay. She leaves a host of other relatives and friends.

Bernice now joins her beloved daughter Aletha "Cindy" Matthews who preceded her in death.

Friends may visit with the family Saturday, May 2nd from 1:00 pm until time of service at 2:00 pm in The Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, 3439 Livingston Road Indian Head, MD 20640. Interment private.

On Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 2:00 pm please click the link  below to view service

Please make sure when viewing the services that the volume located in the right lower corner (where it says "live") on the viewing screen is turned up (the bars should be blue).

The streaming will begin after the final family viewing. Therefore, there may be a delay before the service appears on the screen. Thank you.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/livestream