Obituary

Deborah Ann Matney

April 2, 1957 - April 5, 2026

Deborah Ann Matney, age 69, passed away peacefully on Sunday April 5, 2026. She was born on April 2, 1957. Deborah married Marion Matney Jr. on December 20, 1974, and together they built a life centered on family, love, and enduring commitment.

Deborah was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She is also survived by her children: Howard Lee Matney; Samuel Dean Matney and his wife, Rachel Matney; and Marion Lee Matney III.

She was a proud grandmother to Leah Brooks and her husband, Zachary Brooks; Faith Tate and her husband, Clayton Tate; Madeline Matney; Isabella Matney; Gage Matney; Luke Matney; Marion Lee Matney IV; and Mark Matney. She was also blessed with her great-grandchild, Florence Tate, they all brought her immense pride and joy. Deborah is also survived by her sisters: Arva Harlen of Neosho, Missouri; Susan Brady of Green Forest, Arkansas, and her husband, Wayne Brady; and Sherry Ramirez of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and her husband, Frank Ramirez. She is also survived by her brothers: David Butler of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and his wife, Annette Butler; and Paul Butler of Midland, Texas, and his wife, Sheila Butler; as well as Jana Allphin of Ohio; and brother-in-law, Jack Guillion. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law and their families: Dianne Kimbro and John Kimbro of Miami, Oklahoma; Wilma Miller and Skip Miller of Jena, Louisiana; and Brenda Cox and Robert Cox of Wyandotte, Oklahoma. And many other Family and Friends whom she loved. Deborah is also lovingly remembered by her best friend, Janet Crain.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arva Alene Butler and Howard Dean Butler; her daughter, Maryann Lynn Matney; her brothers, Norman Butler and John Butler; her brother in law Tommy Harlen, her sister-in-law Connie Guillon and other family members.

Deborah was a member of First Apostolic church Pastor Colton Busby and Katie Busby and Bishop William and Sis Pierce whom she loved dearly. Deborah found joy in the simple things in life. She loved reading, doing puzzles, knitting, crocheting, listening to stories, and playing games on her phone. Most of all, she cherished time spent with her family and loved ones.

Deborah’s kindness, strength, and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be at First Apostolic Church of Bogalusa (54112 Hwy. 60, Bogalusa, LA) on Saturday April 11th from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm. A funeral service will be held in the church at 12:00 pm Saturday with Rev. Willam Pierce, Rev. Jerry Cox and Rev. Colton Busby officiating. Burial will follow in the Spencer Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Clayton Tate, Zachary Brooks, Lee Matney, Gage Matney, Shelby Tate, and Jr. Harfield.

Crain Funeral Home in Franklinton, Louisiana is in charge of arrangements.

“She Lives in Love”

She did not leave in silence,

Nor fade without a trace—

For every life she touched with love

Still holds her warmth and grace.

In quiet morning sunlight,

In laughter softly shared,

In every simple kindness

You’ll find her spirit there.

Her hands were always giving,

Her heart was strong and true,

And though we cannot see her now,

Her love remains with you.

She walks in every memory,

In stories we recall,

In every tear and smile we share,

She’s never gone at all.

So do not think of endings,

Or dwell on loss alone—

For in the love she gave to us,

She’s found her way back home.