Mr. Matthew Sullivan

Matthew Sullivan, beloved husband of Lillian Sullivan and loving son of Nannie Lee (Sullivan) Smith, was born in Edgefield County, South Carolina, on March 16, 1929. On June 6, 2024, at the age of 95, Matthew was peacefully called home to be with the Lord. As a youth, Matthew attended Old Piney Grove Baptist Church in Clarks Hill, SC, with his family. He was baptized at the church as a teenager. He attended Edgefield County Public Schools, where he eagerly looked forward to the future and his next challenge. After school, Matthew enlisted in the United States Army, where he served his country honorably. Matthew was deployed into combat during the Korean War. He was a decorated soldier and was awarded the Army Occupation Medal (Germany) and National Defense Service Medal for his service. Following his military service, Matthew relocated to Washington, D.C., where he worked as a dedicated employee at Grand Union Company for over twenty years. After retiring from Grand Union, he worked at McCall Handling Co. as a Master Mechanic. While in Washington, D.C., he met the love of his life, Ms. Lillian Makle, whom he married in 1956. Together, Matthew and Lillian raised five children: one daughter, Avis Sullivan, and four sons, Matthew "Billy" Sullivan Jr., Gregory Sullivan, Jeffrey Sullivan, and Wayne Sullivan. Matthew was a kind and hardworking man who possessed a quiet strength that made his presence felt whenever he entered a room. He loved his family and was affectionately referred to as "Mr. Matthew" by many. He had a natural talent for working on cars and freely offered his time to repair the cars of family and friends. He had a profound fondness for dogs and animals, holding a special bond with Tobar, his black Labrador retriever. Matthew could often be found feeding stray animals. He was quick-witted, often cracking jokes spontaneously with a boisterous, infectious laugh. He enjoyed spending time with family and watching football. During family dinners, he always told everyone, "Eat as much as you want." He was an adored grandfather who warmly referred to his granddaughters as "the keys" and showered them with sweets. On Sunday mornings, Matthew enjoyed listening to gospel music. Above all, Matthew was a generous man and provider, always thinking of others and making sure that all were taken care of. Matthew was preceded in death by his mother, Nannie Lee (Sullivan) Smith, and his son, Matthew "Billy" Sullivan Jr. He leaves to treasure his memory his loving wife of 68 years, Lillian Sullivan; children: Gregory Sullivan (Schlette) of Upper Marlboro, MD; Avis Sullivan of Crofton, MD; Jeffrey Sullivan (Rhonda) of Lanham, MD; and MSgt. (RET) Wayne Sullivan, U.S. Marine Corps (Stephanie) of Charlotte, NC; granddaughters: Chantal, Chivonne, Kristen, Monique, and Tiffany; grandsons: Damian, Darrell, and Richard; great-grandchildren: Aiden Matthew, Airyn, Avery, Dagan, Jon, Journey, Maleyah, Mekhi, Naima, Stephen, and Tyson Matthew. He also leaves to cherish his memory cousins Geneva Collier and Sheila Knight-Braxton, along with a host of other relatives and friends. Matthew will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Mr. Matthew Sullivan

March 16, 1929 - June 6, 2024