Alvaina Ann Matthews, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, at the age of 71. She was a native of Lafayette, Louisiana, born on June 23, 1954, to the late Roosevelt Cain and Mervie Mae Banks of Melville, Louisiana.
Alvaina was the devoted and beloved wife of Ernest Matthews Jr. for 55 years. She was a loving and cherished mother to Tyrone Matthews (Erica), Jermaine Matthews (Lisa), Brandy Matthews (Greg), and Kimberly Hunt. She was an adored grandmother to Breanna Matthews, Mykel Hunt, Dyamonisha Matthews, Jaidon Stanley, Jordan Matthews, Jerl Cya Stanley, Trinity Matthews, Derrine Cooley, Derrionna Cooley. Keyondre Matthews, Ja'Nika Stanley, Lenmorrow Lawerance, Jermaine Matthews Jr. Laheem Lockett, Brailynn Cooley, Bishop Cooley, Brock Cooley, Areanna Matthews, and Ashton Cola.
Alvaina was blessed with 19 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren: Ashton Brown. Amazi Taylor, Caynan Hudson, and Camille Hudson.
She also leaves to cherish her memory her beloved sister, Abbie Simmons (Christopher), along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends. As the matriarch of her family, Alvaina leaves behind an abundance of memories filled with love and laughter that will be treasured forever.
Alvaina found joy in praising the Lord, watching her favorite gospel sermons, shopping on Temu, and most of all, spending precious time with her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Mervie Mae Banks; her brother, Lenny Watkins; and her sister, Wanda Dixon.
Alvaina was a faithful member of Spirit of Truth International Ministries, led by Apostle Evonne Dunn, THD, until her passing. Alvaina will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.