Stella Matthews Pete

Stella Ann Matthews Pete, a native of Crowley, Louisiana, is the daughter of the late John and Beulah Matthews. She received her early education in the Acadia Parish School System and is a graduate of Crowley Industrial High School. Other educational achievements are a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Education degree in Elementary Education from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; a certificate in Education Supervision from Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia; and Education Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia.

Stella Ann Matthews was reared in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC). She was baptized in the first indoor pool of First Church of God in Christ in Crowley under the pastorate of the late Elder Leroy D. Winbush. Her walk in holiness began in the Sunshine Band and continued through Sunday School, Purity Class, YPWW and regular worship services. Having served in the local church as Sunday School Secretary, Sunday School teacher and class leader in various auxiliaries, she also served as the Sunday School Secretary for Western Louisiana Jurisdiction COGIC under the late Bishop John White. Stella found serving the Lord to be an enjoyable task that caused no trouble. She was proud of her journey.

After coming to Albany, Georgia, Stella Ann Matthews Pete affiliated with Monroe Street Church of God in Christ under the pastorate of the late Bishop J. Howard Dell. Her service at Monroe Street has included Sunday School teacher, Senior Choir President, Bible Band member, Women's Department worker, and Assistant Church Mother. Within the Albany District, she served as a District Sunday School Adult Class teacher and District Chairlady.

In Northern Georgia Jurisdiction COGIC, Mother Pete has been a member of the State Choir, Chair of the Business and Professional Women's Auxiliary and a Women's Department worker. Mother Pete was licensed as a Deaconess Missionary in the Church of God in Christ. She was licensed by Supervisor Diane L. Jenkins of Northern Georgia Jurisdiction during the tenure of Bishop Adrian D. Williams as Prelate. At Monroe Street COGIC (now known as Words of Restoration COGIC) Mother Pete taught the Adult Sunday School Class.

As an educator, Mother Pete taught at Ross Elementary School in Crowley, Louisiana, Acadia Parish Training School in Rayne, Louisiana, and Flintside Elementary School in Albany, Georgia. Her educational service in Albany also included Reading Specialist at Lincoln Heights Elementary School, 1st Parent Coordinator of the Dougherty County Title I program, Dougherty County's 1st Elementary School Assistant Principal (Lincoln Heights Elementary School), Assistant Principal of Lake Park Elementary School, Principal of Flintside Elementary School, Assistant Principal of Sylvandale Elementary School and Principal of the Dougherty County Pre-K Program. After her retirement Mother Pete volnteered as a tutor at the Bethel Housing Project in Albany, Georgia.

Mother Pete's professional and civic accomplishments are numerous: Albany Area Council of Reading President; Lincoln Heights Elementary Reading Teacher of the Year. As a member of the Georgia Council of International Reading Association Mother Pete has served as charter member, corresponding secretary, vice president and president. She has also served as the Doutherty County Elementary Principals Association president; Semper Fidelis Nursery School Advisory Board Secretary; First Vice President, Secretary, and Doorkeeper of Delta Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Delta Eta Omega Chapter emeritized her as Doorkeeper); Dougherty County Retired Educators Association corresponding secretary and service in other organizations. Mother Stella Pete wass also a member of the Crowley Louisiana Branch of the National Association of University Women.

Mother Pete has one daughter, Dr. Reve' M. Pete.

On January 2, 2026 at 8:20 PM, Mother Stella Pete transitioned to her heavenly home.