Elder Matthew J. Eyring comes from a family with a long history of faith, education and service. When he was sustained as a General Authority Seventy in April 2026, attention naturally turned to the family background that helped shape his life.
Matthew was born on July 19, 1969, in Palo Alto, California, to Henry Bennion Eyring and Kathleen Johnson Eyring. He grew up as the third of six children in a household where religious faith and service were part of everyday family life.
His parents played different but equally important roles in his upbringing. His father became a prominent leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, while his mother was remembered for her compassion, writing and commitment to helping others.
Who Is Matthew J. Eyring’s Father?
Matthew’s father is President Henry B. Eyring, who serves as First Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Although Henry became an important religious leader, Matthew experienced him primarily as his father.
One of the most meaningful memories described in the provided account involves a moment from Matthew’s childhood. When he was eight years old, Matthew told his father that he was unsure whether he had faith in Jesus Christ. Henry responded by kneeling with his young son on the bedroom floor and praying with him.
Matthew later remembered the experience as an important moment in his spiritual development. He said it was likely the first time he had felt the Spirit so strongly and that he came away knowing that his Savior lived.
That memory gives an insight into how Henry’s influence extended beyond his public responsibilities. At home, his example was expressed through simple family experiences and personal conversations.
A Childhood Built Around Faith
Matthew grew up in a home where religious practice was part of the family’s normal routine.
The Eyring family read scriptures together each day and held weekly family home evenings. Henry also brought creativity into family teaching. As an artist, he sometimes drew humorous sketches to help illustrate scripture stories for his children.
When the family moved to Rexburg, Idaho, Henry became president of Ricks College. The family home also became a place where students were often welcomed.
For Matthew, those experiences appear to have helped establish an understanding of service that went beyond formal church responsibilities. Hospitality, faith and helping others were demonstrated through everyday actions.
Who Was Matthew J. Eyring’s Mother?
Matthew’s mother was Kathleen Johnson Eyring, who died on October 15, 2023, at the age of 82.
Kathleen was born in San Francisco in 1941. She was described as outgoing and fun-loving and had strong interests in both sports and academics.
She attended the University of California at Berkeley before meeting Henry Eyring at a devotional in Boston in 1961.
The couple later married in the Logan Utah Temple on July 19, 1962.
Kathleen became an important influence on her children, including Matthew. He described his childhood as wonderful, loving and faith-filled and credited both of his parents with creating a pattern of joyful service.
Kathleen Eyring’s Writing and Service
Kathleen was not only devoted to her family and faith. She was also a talented writer.
She provided editorial advice to her husband during his career and wrote a young adult novel. In 1979, she won a statewide prize for young adult literature.
For Matthew, however, her most important contribution was not her writing.
He remembered her for her quiet compassion, particularly toward people experiencing difficulty or sadness.
According to the account, Kathleen had a habit of seeking out people who needed support without making a public display of it. She wanted those individuals to feel both her love and the love of the Savior.
That example of quiet service became part of the values Matthew carried into adulthood.
Matthew J. Eyring’s Education and Family
Matthew’s background also includes a strong academic and professional foundation.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Utah and later received an MBA from Harvard Business School.
He married Amy Rebecca Froerer Eyring in 1995, and together they have five children.
His professional and educational experiences have existed alongside the religious influence of his parents.
As he moved through adulthood, the lessons he learned at home continued to provide a foundation for his approach to service and faith.
A Legacy Passed From Parents to Son
Matthew has spoken about the importance of the people who influenced his spiritual development. He has referred to righteous mentors as an important part of his journey and expressed gratitude for the people the Lord placed in his path.
His parents naturally stand out among those influences.
Henry taught through personal faith, prayer and service, while Kathleen demonstrated compassion and a willingness to quietly help people who were struggling.
Their influence was not limited to formal religious instruction. Much of it came through ordinary family life, including prayer, scripture study, family evenings and welcoming others into their home.
Matthew J. Eyring’s Calling
In April 2026, Matthew J. Eyring was sustained as a General Authority Seventy, beginning another chapter in a life shaped by faith and service.
His calling places him in a position of religious responsibility, but the values behind that service began much earlier.
The lessons he received from Henry and Kathleen were formed during childhood, through the examples they set in their home.
For Matthew, his parents’ legacy is therefore deeply personal.
His father’s example of prayer and joyful service and his mother’s compassion toward people facing hardship helped shape the person he became.
The Lasting Influence of Henry and Kathleen Eyring
Matthew J. Eyring’s story is closely connected to the example of his parents.
Henry B. Eyring became a senior Church leader, while Kathleen Johnson Eyring was remembered by her family for her warmth, faith, writing and quiet compassion.
Together, they raised six children in an environment where faith was practiced through daily actions rather than simply discussed.
Matthew’s later calling as a General Authority Seventy reflects the continuation of that family tradition of service.
While his own journey has included education, professional experience, marriage and parenthood, the foundation was established at home.
For anyone searching for Matthew J. Eyring’s parents, they are President Henry B. Eyring and the late Kathleen Johnson Eyring. Their influence remains an important part of his story, particularly in the way he describes faith, service and the people who helped shape his testimony.