Iris Ann Matthews-McDaniel

Iris Ann Matthews-McDaniel, 75, was born on December 29, 1947 in Hickory Ridge, Arkansas to Ira Matthews and Alma Jean Drum-Matthews.

Growing up in the Hickory Ridge community, Iris was reared in a Christian home. She was a woman of great faith and always reverenced Jesus Christ as her Savior. She was a member of Smith Chapel Baptist Church in the Colt, Arkansas community.

Iris came up with a very humble upbringing. She partook in the vast cotton industry in her early years, helping her family by picking cotton.

Iris was an all-around wholesome woman who loved meeting people and having a great time. She possessed such a kind and loving spirit that allowed her to never meet a stranger. Iris also had a unique sense of humor and loved telling jokes. One of her most notable jokes was her infamous question, “Have you seen my squirrel tattoo?” Iris partook in the simple joys of life, and many of her hobbies included watching some of her favorite game shows like The Price is Right, and Wheel of Fortune. Another one of her favorite shows was the Alaskan Bush People. Iris also enjoyed cooking, fishing, and shopping, and she absolutely enjoyed spending time with her dear family. Earlier she was a member of a bass club and an archery club.

Iris loved to help others whenever she could. She was an advocate for Breast Cancer Awareness and was a member of the “Red Hat Society”, where she and her daughters called their coalition the “YaYa's”.

On the morning of January 27, 2023, God saw His child Iris grow weary from her earthly labor. He whispered into her ear “Peace Be Thine…” and He pardoned her soul to Heaven. Awaiting her arrival in Glory were her parents, Ira Matthews and Alma Jean Drum-Matthews, her beloved daughter Penny Walton, and her loving sisters Bernadean Huey, Martha Rock, Kay Franks, and Linda Siller.

Iris leaves her fond memories in the hearts of those who love her the most, her daughters; Bobby (Lucas) Saldana of Earle, AR, Sharon Peterson of Long Beach, MS, Greta Martin of Wynne, AR, and Dena Robinson of Heber Springs, AR; her grandchildren; Amber, Jennifer, Veronica, Brandy, Jessica, Rebecca, D.J., Juston, Caleb, and Corey, 20 great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Friday February 3, 2023 at Smith Chapel Baptist Church, 493 State Highway 350, Wynne, Arkansas. The fellowship will begin at the church on Friday at 12 pm, the visitation begins at 1 pm, and the funeral will start at 2 pm. Burial will take place at Fisher Cemetery in Fisher, Arkansas by Branscumb-Johnson-Gilchrest Funeral Home "The assurance of respect, and the commitment of service..."