He was a 5th grade student at Monticello Intermediate School and an honorary member of the Monticello Fire Department. Matthew touched many lives and was always happy with a smile on his face. He loved music, his church family and was everyone's little angel. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, camping, swimming and being with his family and friends. Matthew was preceded in death by his great grandparents, Robert Graham, Bobby Weeks, Michael L. Forrest and Harold and Lula Smith and his great great grandmother, Ida Davis.
Survivors include his mother and step father, Christy and Michael Forrest of Monticello; his father and step mother, Kenneth and Kelley Graham of Cabot; one brother, Nicholas Graham of Monticello; four sisters, Kelsey Spradlin, Lesley Spradlin, Ashley Graham and Amy Graham all of Cabot; his grandparents, Tami and Lynn Norman of Ward, William and Donnette Smith of Beebe, Julie Gude of Cabot, Joan Forrest of Monticello and Pat and Angel Reyes of Cabot; his great grandparents, Margie Graham of Fayetteville, TN, John Amos Weeks of McRae and Patricia Forrest of Monticello; and numerous aunts, uncles, great aunts, great uncles and cousins.
Condolences(55)
april block
monticello, AR Monday, March 4, 2013 Matt Matt u were a really great friend to my Normandy she says she is really gonna miss your smile in class and your laugh! You had strength even us adults didn't! Now you have received that greatest gift for your birthday a seat in the kingdom of our heavenly Father!! To the family may God grant you peace and understanding and most of all strength to carry on ! God Bless you!Wanda Cunningham
, TX Monday, March 4, 2013 I am Matt's great auntie from Canada. The loss of a child is so devastating. It sounds like Matt was a wonderful little boy, you now know what the face of an angel looks like.God be with you.
Gary Finch
Greenbrier, AR Sunday, March 3, 2013 Correction, I am Kennys great uncle.Gary Finch
Greenbrier, AR Sunday, March 3, 2013 I am Kenneths uncle. So sorry for your loss. May the LORD be with you during your time of sorrow.Misty Cassels
Monticello, AR Saturday, March 2, 2013 I am definitely going to miss his smiling face at MIS. He was always such a sweet and happy little boy. Praying for peace and comfort for you family.mark@mary withers
monticello, AR Saturday, March 2, 2013 we are very sorry for yall's lose, losing a child is something we do not want to have happened to us, we have 3 kids! we canot begin to know how yall feel!we are praying for the family!Dr Richard McCarthy
Little Rock, AR Saturday, March 2, 2013 So sorry for your loss. He was such a special child who brought such joy into our lives. Every visit I ever had with him was marked by optimism and determination. I think he taught us an important lesson about life.Dr Mac
Terri Longing
Monticello, AR Friday, March 1, 2013 Matthew was a precious angel. He brought so much joy to us at MIS. I will never forget him. My prayers are with his family.DONNA SOWELL
BEEBE, AR Friday, March 1, 2013 I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. YOUR FAMILY WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS.Melissa Sowell
Beebe, AR Friday, March 1, 2013 I feel so lucky to have met Matt Matt. He will always hold a special place in our hearts. When Brooklyn and Matt went to Apple Blossom together they were such good friends, and that continued on when they started school. Although ya'll moved away you never left our thoughts. Prayers for your family during this heart breaking time. I know I will miss him here, but I rejoice that he is in heaven and is no longer limited by his earthly body. Much love and prayers! Melissa, Greg, Brooklyn, And Garrett SowellKelly Fort
Benton, AR Friday, March 1, 2013 Grandma Kelly loves you very much. I am so proud of you. I am goning to miss you and those musclesAlisha spurlock( Christian Morgan)
, TX Friday, March 1, 2013 Will miss you Matt Matt! Our prayers are with you and your family always.Apple Blossom Child Care
Beebe, AR Friday, March 1, 2013 Our prayers and thoughts are with you in this most difficult time. We all remember the way Matt's smile could light up a room.Jerry Smith
Beebe, AR Friday, March 1, 2013 There are no words to say what Matt meant to the kids and myself. I loved it when he would come over to my house. The day he walked to me with no support, was one of the greatest days of my life, Happy Birthday Matt.Judy Selig
Monticello, AR Friday, March 1, 2013 I will miss Matthew's sweet smile and pleasant ways. I pray for peace and comfort for the family.Mandy Howell
McRae, AR Friday, March 1, 2013 I can only imagine how happy Matt is, now in heaven, as he was the happiest, most loving child I've ever met. He was a precious angel sent to us to remind us of three things...faith, hope, and love, no matter what obstacles we face. Everytime I saw him with his mom, Christy, you could see the love they felt for each other. It's because of that love that he was such a happy kid. My heart breaks for Christy and the rest of the family for their loss. I thank God for sending us angels like Matt and I am very lucky to have been blessed with the opportunity to teach and be taught by someone with such unconditional love. Matt, I cherish you, I adore you, I love you!!!-Ms. Mandy
denetra foster
, AR Friday, March 1, 2013 we LOVE mattKathryne Sego Patterson
Beebe, AR Friday, March 1, 2013 I am so very sorry for your loss of Matt. I wish I could be there just to start hugging you and not let go. I want to send my love and condolences and know my prayers are with you. KathryneCheryl McKenzie
Cabot, AR Friday, March 1, 2013 Matthew was such a blessing to me for the short time God shared him with me. I will forever carry his beautiful smile and spirit in my heart. When we meet in heaven he will run to me for one of his wonderful hugs. For now I know he is running and leaping with Jesus. I pray God's comfort to his family.Pam House
North Little Rock, AR Friday, March 1, 2013 So Sorry for your loss. My prayers are with each of you .May God be with you as you begin the healing process.Kristie Fowler
Monticello, AR Friday, March 1, 2013 My thoughts and prayers are with your family! Matthew was such a blessing to everyone at MIS! Happy Birthday Matt Matt!Barbara King
Little Rock, AR Friday, March 1, 2013 Christy, God has a beautiful Angel now that doesn't need a wheelchair or crutches to get around, because Matthew now has wings! He was a very sweet young man that always had a smile on his face. Matthew will be greatly missed & never forgotten. Happy Birthday Matthew! We love you! From the staff at National Seating & Mobility.Charity Schultz
Robbinsdale, MN Thursday, February 28, 2013 I am so sorry for you loss. Your entire family will be in my prayers and in my heart.. God bless .. May God grant you peace and comfort ...Cody Guntharp
Bradford, AR Thursday, February 28, 2013 Matthew you was a very great young man you will allways be missed and lovedDiana & Bob Miller
Cabot, AR Thursday, February 28, 2013 When you first met Mat, you could tell that he was a special person. His wonderful smile and sweet nature made him a joy to be around. We were blessed having known him. We will see him again in heaven with Jesus someday and we will know him by his smile.Nathan & Marqueta Van Winkle & Cody Guntharp
Bradford, AR Thursday, February 28, 2013 There are no words that can adequately express the love and admiration we have for you, Matthew! Everyone you met was blessed by your sweet and kind nature. We will always hold you within our hearts and are looking forward to seeing you again. I thank God for the time we had with you for you enriched our lives greatly. Thank you, Little One, for the opportunity to love you and be loved by you. Don't forget to show God and all the other angels your PYTHONS! :) Great Aunt Marqueta, Great Uncle Nathan and Cousin Cody will always love you Matt Matt.Christy, Mike, Kenny and Kelli, Nicholas, and Matthew's sisters, Matthew's grandparents, please know we are praying for you all. We love you and thank you for giving us the gift of Matthew's loving and gentle presence. God bless each of you and his grandparents as you learn to live with your memories of your very very special little angel. We love you all and truly wish we could ease your pain. God will provide the light to your path and carry you each on your journey. All our love and prayers. Nathan and Marqueta Van Winkle and Cody Guntharp.
Michelle and Krystal
Bloomington, IL Thursday, February 28, 2013 Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We love you all very much.Aunt Shell and Krystal
Charles Maddox
Ward, AR Thursday, February 28, 2013 So sorry for the loss my thoughts and prayers are with your family.CCI of Arkansas
North Little Rock, AR Thursday, February 28, 2013 We are all praying for your heavy hearts and send your family our deepest sympathy. Although we did not know Matthew, we can tell from the guestbook he must have been quite a special boy.Deborah Tallent
Horatio, SC Thursday, February 28, 2013 Dear Forrest Family, I didn't know your loved one but I feel like I did. My sister, Donnette, loved that child with all her heart and talked about him often when I was home in Beebe, AR. I understand he was a very special little boy and will be greatly missed. Just know God now has him wrapped in his arms and Matthew is making him smile like he did so many people here on this earth.Shannon Magill
Beebe, AR Thursday, February 28, 2013 I was blessed to have known Matt since he was about 3 years old.From that first day at daycare he grabbed a hold of my heart and never let go.I will always remember that smile and that beautiful laugh.He was one of Gods special angels here on earth and now he is one of his angels in Heaven.He will truly be missed.Christy, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.Brandi Williams
Monticello, AR Thursday, February 28, 2013 A beautiful boy with a smile and thumbs up for everyone! He will be missed....Rossi Walmsley
Cabot, AR Thursday, February 28, 2013 Dear family of Matthew, I attend Briarwood Baptist Church and got to know Matthew through teaching VBS. I love him, he's the Most beautiful and smiling person I ever knew. I hold you Matthew close to my heart, and will see you one day with our King. All My Love, RossiLinda Schwalm
Cabot, AR Wednesday, February 27, 2013 God called another angel home. Always take care of your family because they all need and miss you. To his family May God give you all the peace and comfort you need in the days ahead. There will be some good days and some bad days but remember he is an angel always with you. Prayers to you all. With Lovejamal mccray
monticello, AR Wednesday, February 27, 2013 I am sorry for your lost i will keep Yall in my prayersKelli Montgomery
Monticello, AR Wednesday, February 27, 2013 Praying for you all. Matthew was such a sweetheart! I will miss seeing his smiling face at MIS.Jeremy and Jennifer Weekd
Searcy, AR Wednesday, February 27, 2013 RIP Mat you will truly be missed. Love youJackie and DeWayne Jenkins
Cabot, AR Wednesday, February 27, 2013 Fly high with Jesus Matt Matt. We are praying for all of the family with sadness in our hearts but at the same time with joy in knowing that Matt is standing tall and strong now. Love The Jenkins Familyterrie petersen
duffield, VA Wednesday, February 27, 2013 my lil matt matt you brought so many smiles to me and so many other people , you were one of my everyday heros. I was so honored to be apart of your life and was able to get to know you for the strong and courageous young man you were... praying for you sis and the whole familyCheri Rash
Monticello, AR Wednesday, February 27, 2013 My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. He was a wonderful little boy and he will be missed. He is now your angel watching over you all. Love and prayers to all of you.Nancy Early
Monticello, AR Wednesday, February 27, 2013 Matthew was such an inspiration to us all. He was so courageous through all the surgeries. He had the happiest smile and spirit. He will be missed so much.Kyla Morphis
, AR Wednesday, February 27, 2013 He was a very nice boy, whenever he smiled I got a kick out of it and me and all my classmates loved him. We will miss him.vickie harmon
austin, AR Wednesday, February 27, 2013 you are in my thoughts and prayersPatricia sweeden
Beebe, AR Wednesday, February 27, 2013 Matthew we will miss u so greatly ya are in my prayers! May u rest in peace!Love,
Mike Trish, Amber, and Michael
Dawn
Ward, AR Wednesday, February 27, 2013 I don't know this family but u were on my Facebook page and I just wanted to say my thoughts and prayers go out to ur family - may GOD bless u through u loss of MatthewRamona Lafferty
Pulaski, TN Wednesday, February 27, 2013 I am so sorry about the lost of your son. May the Lord bless and keep you close to him as he is with matthew. Jesus has one more special angel with him and know that Matt is watching over all of you until you all are with him again.leanna corbin kylie corbin carley graham
fayetteville, TN Wednesday, February 27, 2013 I am so sorry for lossJoseph Feltner
Cabot, AR Wednesday, February 27, 2013 Matt, you left a large space in our church family but I know you are at peace with Jesus in Heaven. I love you and I miss you very much and so does Miss Joyce and all the rest of your church family here in Cabot. May God Bless your family.See you someday in the future.
ashley, kameron caplinger
ward, AR Wednesday, February 27, 2013 We love you matt matt, you were a wonderful person. And will truely be missed!Maranda Tarno
Ward, AR Wednesday, February 27, 2013 From the very first time I saw you I knew you were a very special little boy! You always had the biggest smile on your face and always brightened my day! You touched so many lives and brought so much happiness into this dark world! God has always had a bigger plan for you and. Now you can fly high in Heaven and watch over all your family! I will miss that big smile and those warm hugs Matt Matt! You were always so positive and never have up! Rest in peace and enjoy those wings! I love you sweet boy! Miss Maranda!!Brandy Flanigan
Cabot, AR Wednesday, February 27, 2013 Matt-Matt was such a special little boy! I adored seeing him on Sunday morning! My son Braydon was always thrilled to push his wheelchair to children's church. He was always happy no matter what! I feel it was a gift from God that I had the opportunity to meet him. My prayers are with the family.May The Lord bless you,
Brandy and Eric Flanigan
Toni Garrison
Monticello, AR Wednesday, February 27, 2013 Christy and Family I am so very sorry for your loss!! Matt was such a go get em lil man and had a smile for everyone!!! What a sweet lil angel!!!! Prayers and thoughts are with you all.Tina Ferguson
Monticello, AR Wednesday, February 27, 2013 Dear Family and Friends,I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
GOD bless each of you and surround you with his tender mercy.
Karen Caldwell
, AR Wednesday, February 27, 2013 We had the opportunity to meet Matthew last year at the Special Olympic Arkansas Area 12 Area Games in April. He was a great competitor and a wonderful athelete. His smile was everything. Thank you for sharing him with us.Ked Donham & Karen Caldwell
Area 12 Directors
Special Olympic Arkansas
Blue and Lea Faulkner and boys
Monticello, AR Wednesday, February 27, 2013 Mike And Christy and familyThere are no words that I could possible say to make this any easier but please know that God will get u threw this. And also know that if u need anything please let us know.
God needed another angel and he only gets the best. Love u guys.