Darren Matthews Obituary (1975 - 2020) - Washington, District of Columbia

THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DARREN HARVEY MATTHEWS Darren Harvey Matthews was born to Trugaye Colbert and Harvey Matthews, Sr. on October 15, 1975 in Washington, DC. In his early years, he was affectionately known as “Cue Ball.” This nick name was given to him by his grandfather (LaBrent Colbert). Though he was the baby brother to 6 older siblings and the oldest of two younger ones, he was definitely the biggest GUY not only in size but most certainly in HEART! Darren spent much of his time with family and friends between Lamont Street, NW in Washington, DC (Nanny & Pop’s house) and 62nd Avenue in Riverdale, Maryland. He was loved by all who knew him. His kind and caring heart attracted so many friends that he considered family. To Darren…everybody was his cousin. As a child, Darren attended Bruce Monroe Public School and Saint Bernard’s Catholic School where he served as an altar boy. He was a proud graduate of Saint Vincent Pallotti Catholic High School, where he excelled in Track, Football and Baseball. He earned the name “Diesel” because he was unstoppable on the field and could literally carry the entire Football team on his shoulders. Anyone who knew Darren knew how much he loved the Dallas Cowboys while being raised in a Redskins’ Family. There were plenty of friendly family rivalries during the Cowboys vs. Redskins games. He did not care if his team won or lost, he stood by HIS COWBOYS. His love for his team and the game inspired him to coach several little league football teams. In his early twenties, Darren started his work career at the United States Coast Guard. After discovering his gift for cooking, Darren worked at several restaurants where his cooking skills flourished. Both staff and customers absolutely adored him. Darren was also head grill-chief-in-charge at all the family cookouts. Darren was the proud father of two daughters, Shalom Carlie (daughter of Gloribel Matthews Perez) and Kiani Renee (daughter of Jaime Matthews Walls). In 2014, Darren met Rhonda Rehrig. On April 12, 2017 they married. They affectionately called one another “Babe.” His wife Rhonda was his caretaker, appointment secretary, nurse and medicine giver but most all his “Babe”. From this union Darren inherited his “bonus” son, Hezekiah who was his right-hand man. Where there was Darren, to his right was Hezekiah. Darren was a devoted father to his kids he adored them and was a great source of encouragement, love and support. Darren had a special bond with so many…his sisters Rhonda and Tiffany, niece Tiara, Aunt Sharon, cousin Shelly, Godmother Terri, Goddaughter Brina and special friend Anton. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Matthews: his three children, Shalom, Kiani and Hezekiah, mother Trugaye Colbert, father Harvey Matthews, Sr and his siblings, Rhonda Gudger (Alvin), Eric Colquitt (Lea), Michelle Phillips – Fay (Regan), Mary Little, Tiffany Matthews and Harvey Matthews, Jr, a mother-in-law Donna Rehrig, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and other extended family, the Riverdale Crew, neighbors and colleagues. He was pre-deceased by his beloved brother, Brian Colbert (Tina) and sister Donna Matthews. Darren was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes at age 16. Later he developed kidney disease. On June 25, 2020 he succumbed to Renal Failure. Darren will be forever missed and always in our hearts.