Matthew Bracewell went to be with the Lord on Feb. 12, 2021. He was born May 29, 1959, in South Alabama, where he spent the first half of his life.
Growing up, Matt would go to church and school, play, and run in the fields, woods, and creeks. As he got older, Matt developed into a very strong and talented man with a big heart and hard-working hands. Matt was always easy-going, kind, and caring and had a unique desire to help others.
Matt chose to spend the second half of his life in Bethesda, Ark. with his next oldest brother, William “Duck” Bracewell, who met, married, and started a family with a delightful little girl from Bethesda. The delightful little girl known then as Letah Lynn Hudson is now known as Letah Lynn Hudson-Bracewell, shortened to Miss Lynne.
Matthew always claimed that Miss Lynne was the best sister-in-law ever, and she always said the same about him as a brother-in-law. The two of them had a great bond.
Matthew devoted his life to William and followed him wherever he went. William always felt a little guilty about taking him away from all his other family and friends in South Alabama. So after many days of pondering over the idea, William has decided to send Matt home to be placed in the family plot in Geneva, Ala.
William would also like to express to the great people of Bethesda and surrounding areas how much Matt loved and enjoyed his time here with them and how thankful he was that they shared part of their lives with him.
Matt was preceded in death by his parents, William Jonah Bracewell and Lela McLeod Bracewell; five siblings, Mae, Romona, James, and two infant siblings. He is survived by four siblings, Idell, Adine, Charles, and William, as well as many numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Viewing for family and friends will be held at Willis Funeral Service in Batesville on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. A second viewing for Matthew and his sister Idell, who also recently passed, will be held at First United Pentecostal Church in Geneva, Ala. on Monday, Feb. 22, 2021, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
There will be a double funeral service for both Matt and Idell held at the First United Pentecostal Church of Geneva, Ala. on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021, at 11 a.m., followed by a burial at Piney Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Geneva County in Alabama.
