Obituary for Dr. John H. Matlock
John was born in Warren, Ohio on August 23, 1946, during a visit to family, and three days later traveled to be raised in Detroit, Michigan. John was a shy yet very bright child. He loved to read everything and was glad that his punishment was to go to his room so he could read. He was favored by his mother and Aunt Ida Bea Walker who doted upon him.
He was inspired to love and respect others through his faith in God, and received Christian Baptism on the 29th day of May, 1960, at Redeemer Chapel Detroit, Michigan.
John was blessed with a productive life that was lived to the fullest. The son of John Matlock, Sr. and Doris Ford Matlock, and part of a large family, three brothers: Richard, Kenneth, and Ronald, and two sisters: Deloise, and Jackie. He married Margaret Scisney on December 21, 1991, and they shared one daughter, Robin, and one faithful daughter, Lauren (Corey) Kachorek-LaRose.
John graduated from Ferris State University (Bachelor of Science degree, 1971), where he became Editor-in-Chief of the student paper. At Ferris State, John was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, and later became an Archon, Gamma Rho Boule. He furthered his education receiving both a Master of Arts degree in Journalism (1973), and Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration (1978) from the University of Michigan. John was an honored professional and a visionary leader, receiving numerous awards and special recognitions.A few of the awards just in 2013 included: University of Michigan, The Harold R. Johnson Diversity Service Award, Detroit Center University of Michigan, Outstanding Service Award, University of Michigan, La Celebracion Latina Circle Award, University of Michigan, The Association of Black Professional Administrators, Faculty and Staff Award, and UM Black Celebratory Cornerstone Award.
John's extraordinary professional journey was prompted by education and opportunities. He served as chief of staff for U.S. Representatives Harold Ford Sr., of Tennessee, and John Conyers, of Michigan. He was extremely proud of the extraordinary honor of working with Rosa L. Parks. However, his first love was always his family in Detroit, and the University of Michigan. In 1988, he returned to Michigan as the Director of the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives at the University of Michigan, and later was promoted to Associate Vice Provost, retiring in 2013. In these roles he was a valued mentor and advocate for many individuals and causes.
John loved to travel and through his life took the opportunity to visit many parts of the world including Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and Africa. These travels enabled a profound global awareness of connectiveness, and passion for and appreciation of all people.
He leaves us to celebrate his life and cherish his love, generosity, and many contributions: his devoted wife, loving daughters, host of caring relatives, friends, fraternal brothers, and supportive colleagues.
He was inspired to love and respect others through his faith in God, and received Christian Baptism on the 29th day of May, 1960, at Redeemer Chapel Detroit, Michigan.
John was blessed with a productive life that was lived to the fullest. The son of John Matlock, Sr. and Doris Ford Matlock, and part of a large family, three brothers: Richard, Kenneth, and Ronald, and two sisters: Deloise, and Jackie. He married Margaret Scisney on December 21, 1991, and they shared one daughter, Robin, and one faithful daughter, Lauren (Corey) Kachorek-LaRose.
John graduated from Ferris State University (Bachelor of Science degree, 1971), where he became Editor-in-Chief of the student paper. At Ferris State, John was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, and later became an Archon, Gamma Rho Boule. He furthered his education receiving both a Master of Arts degree in Journalism (1973), and Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration (1978) from the University of Michigan. John was an honored professional and a visionary leader, receiving numerous awards and special recognitions.A few of the awards just in 2013 included: University of Michigan, The Harold R. Johnson Diversity Service Award, Detroit Center University of Michigan, Outstanding Service Award, University of Michigan, La Celebracion Latina Circle Award, University of Michigan, The Association of Black Professional Administrators, Faculty and Staff Award, and UM Black Celebratory Cornerstone Award.
John's extraordinary professional journey was prompted by education and opportunities. He served as chief of staff for U.S. Representatives Harold Ford Sr., of Tennessee, and John Conyers, of Michigan. He was extremely proud of the extraordinary honor of working with Rosa L. Parks. However, his first love was always his family in Detroit, and the University of Michigan. In 1988, he returned to Michigan as the Director of the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives at the University of Michigan, and later was promoted to Associate Vice Provost, retiring in 2013. In these roles he was a valued mentor and advocate for many individuals and causes.
John loved to travel and through his life took the opportunity to visit many parts of the world including Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and Africa. These travels enabled a profound global awareness of connectiveness, and passion for and appreciation of all people.
He leaves us to celebrate his life and cherish his love, generosity, and many contributions: his devoted wife, loving daughters, host of caring relatives, friends, fraternal brothers, and supportive colleagues.