Kimberly Matthew, also recognized as “Kim-Rae,” or “Kim,” was born in the Southeast Cape Township of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands to Bianca Reyes and Reuben Francis of Trinidad and Tobago. She moved to Saint Germain, France, at the age of 12 to live with her grandmother before returning to St. Croix at 16.
Kimberly later settled on St. Thomas, USVI, while attending the University of the Virgin Islands (formerly College of the Virgin Islands) where she resided until her retirement at 50 as lead counsel of Hess and Hovensa Oil Corporation, returning to St. Croix to teach. Kimberly was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and a two-time alumna of Columbia University.
Kimberly suffered a cerebrovascular accident on Jan. 2. She later passed away the evening of Jan. 19 surrounded by her loved ones.
Kimberly is survived by her husband, Winston Soweto Matthew Sr.; children: Winston Soweto Matthew Jr., John Matthew, Justin Matthew, Sidnious Matthew, Tiffany Rodriguez and Evelyn Cruz; grandchildren: Carlton Smith, Kevin Smith, Justin Reyes, Andres Reyes, Bianca Matthew, Andrea Matthew and Vanessa Reyes; and siblings: Juan Reyes, Elizabeth Reyes, Evelyn Reyes and Sandra Gottlieb;
She is also survived by sisters-in-law: Alicia Reyes and Sandra Smith; son-in-law, Robert Cruz; nieces and nephews: Kimberly Reyes, Alicia Reyes, Danielle Matthew and Erin Matthew. Kimberly is also survived by her loving great-grandchildren, great nieces and nephews, godchildren, long-time family friends, employees and customers of the Soweto Restaurant, and many other relatives too extensive to mention.
Services will be held at 10 a.m., Jan. 31, at the Cape Methodist Church on the East End.
The family graciously thanks everyone on-island and abroad who continues to express love and show support during the unexpected passing of our beloved Kim-Rae. We wish to extend a special thank you to St. Croix Cancer Specialists and Continuum Care for their services as well as the Winship Cancer Institute for their care over the years. May Kimberly’s soul rest in eternal peace.
Those close to Kimberly may contact Winston S. Matthew Jr. Esq. to submit tributes by 11:59 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 25 or WinstonSMEsq@gmail.com
