Mrs. Martha Louise Ryals “Polly” Matlock, 94, died Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at Methodist Hospital in Olive Branch, MS. The graveside service will be Thursday, December 22, 2022, at 10:00 A.M. at Oxford Memorial Cemetery with Bro. Matt Moore officiating.
Mrs. Polly was born on August 1, 1928, to the late Phillip and Fannie Ryals. She was a retired secretary from The University of Mississippi. At the center of her whole life was her love and devotion to Christ. As a devout member of First Baptist Church of Oxford, Mrs. Polly was an integral part of the church, always giving of herself and helping others. She lovingly led Sunday School classes and was a leader for the Women’s Circle Group that both brought her great joy and fellowship. Mrs. Polly was affectionately known as “Gan-Gan” by her grandchildren who loved her dearly. She was the quintessential grandmother, with a loving and warm spirit that drew everyone in. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Polly was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Francis Matlock; three sisters, Zulene Harris, Marjorie Gerard, and Francis Terry; a brother, Sam Ryals; and a grandson, Will McLellan.
Mrs. Polly is survived by her daughter, Kay Alford and her husband, Randall of Olive Branch, MS; sons, Ben Matlock and his wife, Marjorie of Oxford, MS and Gary Matlock of Ukiah, CA; a sister, Phyllis McDaniel of Starkville, MS; a granddaughter, Courtney Clayton of Olive Branch, MS; and two great-grandchildren, Braydan Ballard and Kaylee Ballard.
Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Mrs. Polly’s memory may be made to First Baptist Church of Oxford, 800 Van Buren Avenue, Oxford, MS 38655.
Dear Matlock family, one of the saddest things someone can experience is the death of a loved one. Did you know the Bible compares death to sleep? (Psalms 13:3) Just as a person who is asleep is unaware of what is happening around him, the dead are not conscious of anything. There is a promise of hope in the Bible. Our loving God has promised to awaken the dead, as if from sleep, and give them life again. Acts 24:15 says, “There is going to be a resurrection.” The bible offers comfort for those who are grieving and I hope this brings you comfort as well.