Rev. Matthew R. Silver, 83, a native of Halifax County, died August 31, 2008 in High Point, NC. A celebration of life service will be conducted Monday, September 8, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the Piney Wood Chapel Baptist Church where he was the pastor. Rev. Timothy Dortch, a cousin of the deceased, of Goldsboro, NC will be the eulogist. The burial will be at Plumline Holy Church in Halifax County, NC.

Rev. Silver was a member of First Baptist Church Weldon, Weldon, NC.

Rev. Silver’s body will be ready for viewing Sunday, September 7, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cofield Funeral Home in Weldon, NC.

Rev. Silver accepted the call to the gospel ministry in 1947 and was ordained in 1951. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Master of Divinity Degree from Shaw University, Raleigh, NC.

After relocating in Roanoke Rapids, NC, Rev. Silver was employed with the Department of Corrections as a chaplain.

Rev. Silver accepted the call of interim pastor of Piney Wood Chapel Baptist Church in 1988, and on January 6, 1989, he was voted in as pastor. He has been a good Shepherd, a wise teacher, a spirit-filled pastor and an enduring friend.

Rev. Silver has directed the church with spiritual motivation and progressive leadership for both adults and youth.

Rev. Silver’s greatest aspiration was to move forward with kingdom building.

He leaves to morn his memory, his wife, Janice Silver; his children, Dr. Matthew R. Silver, II of Maryland, Marquitta Silver-Marsh of Maryland, Monica Boyd of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Joseph Silver and Jerome Silver, both of Maryland and Kim Cooper of Greensboro, NC; his sisters, Marvis Storrs of Roanoke Rapids and Ida Wiggins of New York; 11 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and relatives.

Cofield Funeral Home is in charge of the service.