Dr. Matthew Proctor Jr.

Dr. Matthew Proctor, Jr. departed this life and entered into eternal rest on February 26, 2020 at the age of 84. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on April 19, 1935 to the late Matthew and Mildred Proctor, Sr. of Verrett, Louisiana. Matthew Proctor, Jr. attended Marie C. Couvent and Valena C. Jones elementary schools, and was a graduate of Joseph S. Clark High School. He received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree and a Master’s of Education from Xavier University of Louisiana. After which he received a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University. Dr. Proctor was a life-long educator in the greater New Orleans area up until his death. He was a former Principal, Counselor, Director, Area Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, and Interim Superintendent in the New Orleans Public Schools; as well as an Adjunct professor at Loyola University, University of New Orleans, and Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO). Matthew also was a former Dean of the College of Education at SUNO. Dr. Proctor was a Board Member of various professional and philanthropic organizations. He was married to the late Jean Narcisse Proctor for 62 years. He leaves to cherish his memory his children: David Matthew Proctor (Karen), and Deanna Proctor (Darren Duncan), grandchildren: Chelsea Proctor, Jasmine Proctor, Aja Sexton, and Kamryn Sexton, siblings: Bernice Proctor Carkum and Clarence Proctor, Sr. (Hattie P.), and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Relatives and friends of the family, priest and parishioners of St. Gabriel the Archangel Church; priest and parishioners of Corpus Christi-Epiphany Church; pastor, officers, and members of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church; pastor, officers, and members of First Baptist Church of Verrett, Louisiana; Chancellor and employees of Southern University at New Orleans; President and employees of Xavier University at Louisiana; former and current employees of New Orleans Public Schools, the Leona Group and InspireNola Charter Schools; Faculty, staff, and students of St. Mary’s Academy; employees of Loretta’s Pralines, The Praline Connection, and Liberty Bank are invited to attend A Celebration of Life at McDonogh No. 35 Senior High School, 4000 Cadillac Street on Friday, March 6, 2020 at 6:30 in the evening followed by A Mass of Christian Burial at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church, 4700 Pineda Street, New Orleans, Louisiana on Saturday, March 7, 2020. Visitation will begin at 8:00a.m.. Very Reverend Henry J. Davis, SSJVF, Celebrant. The Mass will proceed at 11:00a.m. Interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery 4000 Norman Mayer Avenue. Arrangement by D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home 7411 Chef Menteur Highway, New Orleans, Louisiana.