Deborah Matthews

September 18, 1961 - April 3, 2018

Deborah Murphy Matthews, 56, of Abita Springs, LA passed away on April 3, 2018 of complications of cancer. Beloved wife of Will Bunn (Bunny) Matthews III for 31 years. Loving stepmother of Jude (Betsy) Matthews, and Noah Matthews, grandmother of Anaiyah Matthews. Daughter of the late Shirley LeBlanc Murphy, and the late Walter Murphy III. Sister of Sharon (Art) Small, the late Walter Murphy IV, and the late Keith Murphy. Debbie was born 1961 in New Orleans. She married Bunny Matthews on October 11, 1986. She was a graduate of Mount Carmel Academy, and Loyola University. Debbie managed 3 fine linen stores during her career - Intimate Home, Bella Noche and Hestia. She had an innate sense of style and design, which served her well in her career. She loved New Orleans and its traditions. Debbie and Bunny were members for many years of the Olympians carnival organization, and they always wore costumes for Mardi Gras. "My beautiful wife Debbie - and I call her "beautiful" because she had a beautiful soul (and that's what really matters) - was the only person who saw all my artworks, from cartoon drawings to large paintings, throughout their tenure. That's all an artist really cares about - doing it - and Debbie saw the whole thing - from beginning to end. Debbie was always correct in her critiques - "That won't sell" she would say, and Debbie was right. I didn't really care about money, but Debbie did, and she allowed me to be an artist, which no one can ever calculate. She lived for me and I intend to live for her. Debbie is my other half." - Bunny Matthews Private services will be held. Messages of condolence can be left on the Serenity Funeral Home website.