Friends and family of Constance Mathews are planning a retirement party for her at 6 p.m. Aug. 18 at the Niagara Falls Conference and Event Center, 101 Old Falls St.
The event will honor her 36 years of service at Niagara University where she was director of the Opportunity Program for students considered academically under-prepared. In that role, she led efforts to provide support, as well as academic and financial assistance to the students, through to graduation.
One of those helping with the event is Niagara Falls singer Marsha McWilson, who says that Mathews was her music mentor. "She's the most compassionate, sweetest person that I've known," McWilson said recently.
"She's a dynamic singer and she's the one who taught me how to sing," McWilson added, recalling how the two of them and their friend, Hillary Poole, were selected to sing background for Michael Buble' when he came to Buffalo several years ago to perform.
McWilson noted that Mathews has sung for "everyone's funeral, everyone's wedding and everyone's concert, for free."
"This is our time to give back. She really deserves to be celebrated," McWilson said.
Mathews, who has been singing gospel since she was 5 years old, said she plans to continue singing. One of the choirs she performs with is Josh Malcolm Wilson and Joshua's Generation, a group that sings in churches across the country.
"I'd also like to do more ministry work," Mathews added.
Dinner and gift are $40. For tickets and information contact Erika Davis at 247-3060 or via email erikad1222@gmail.com.
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