Memorial Fund Honors Victim of Air Show Crash

Relatives of the San Diego woman killed Sunday in a plane crash near Brown Field have established a memorial fund in her name to be used for youth drug deterrence programs.

Joyce Matthews, 48, died along with veteran pilot Marshall Moss of Santa Monica when the single-engine World War II fighter plane they were flying in went down during an air show sponsored by the San Diego wing of the Confederate Air Force.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the crash, which demolished the F-4U Corsair.

Robert Moore, legal officer for the Confederate Air Force, said Matthews was devoted to promoting a drug-free society for young people and that a trust fund has been set up in her name. Money from the fund will be given to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department for use in drug awareness and prevention programs.

Matthews’ husband, Guy, is a member of the San Diego wing of the Confederate Air Force, a national group that restores, flies and exhibits reconditioned World War II planes. Her flight with Moss was a “reward” for her volunteer efforts at the air show, Moore said.

Matthews is also survived by two sons, Timothy, 29, of San Diego, and Geoffrey, 26, of Riverside, and a daughter, Theresa Thorade, 20, of San Diego.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in Garden Chapel at Greenwood Memorial Park. Donations to the fund should be mailed to Robert G. Moore, Gillespie Air Field, 1725 N. Marshall Ave., El Cajon CA 92020.