Esther Matthews, 68, was born on June 12, 1948 to the late John Dawson Boniol, Sr. and Reba Robbins Boniol in Pleasant Hill, TN. She passed away on August 18, 2016. In 1981, Esther graduated from Middle Tennessee State University where her love for teaching began. She worked for the Cumberland County Board of Education from 1981 to 2005 where she taught Pre-K, 1st through 6th grade, and one block of 8th grade history. During her time teaching, Esther was awarded Teacher of the Year at Crossville Elementary in 1989 and at Glen Martin Elementary in 2005. In her spare time, she enjoyed knitting and sitting down to read a good book. Esther had a dry sense of humor and loved to laugh because it is good for the soul. If there was anything about Esther’s life she would say, it is that she is a sinner saved by grace, pure and simple.
She is survived by her mother- Reba Robbins Boniol; daughter- Tina Frensley Findley (Shan); grandchildren- Ty Smith, Erica Kindrick, and Alexis Findley; and brothers- John Boniol, Jr. (Mary), Michael Boniol, and Ronald Boniol.
She is preceded in death by her father- John Dawson Boniol, Sr.; and brothers- Timothy Boniol and Phillip Boniol.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, August 27, 2016 from 2 to 3 at Woodlawn United Methodist Church. A memorial service for Esther will also on Saturday beginning at 3 p.m. with Rev. Ronald Dyer officiating. In lieu of flowers, please donate a book, especially children’s books, to your library of choice or to the Friends of the Art Circle Public Library.
Esther, you will be remembered in our hearts for a very long time. You will be missed.
I’m so sorry Tina. I still can’t believe my Mother is gone. I pray for you and your family
So sorry to hear of Ms. Matthews passing. She ALWAYS wore the sweetest smile with a personality just as sweet! Fly high sweet friend. So glad our paths crossed.
Esther was one of the kindest and most compassionate teachers. She was creative and all of her students loved her.
Esther was one of the first friends I made when I moved to Cumberland County. She was so sweet and welcoming. She helped make my transition here so much easier. I count her as my friend. She will be missed! (Pat Allen)
I also taught with Esther at Crossville Elementary. She was our youngest son’s kindergarten teacher and I fondly remember all the cute books they made that year. Esther always had a welcoming smile and a sympathetic ear. She will be missed by family and friends.
I had a Mrs.Ester as my Pre-K teacher in 2005. She was and always will be my favorite teacher. You will be missed Mrs.Ester, My prayers and condolences go to her family.
Esther was such an excellent teacher. I remember her making all kinds of creative activities for her classes. My prayers go out to her family.