Helen C. Mathews

Helen was a devoted wife, mother, teacher, musician, and volunteer. She had a successful career as a high school educator teaching English and literature. In the classroom, she placed great emphasis on encouraging students to achieve their highest potential. Helen was a faithful and devoted member of First Baptist Church where she led with a servant’s heart. Helen had a passion for music and graciously shared her musical talents with those in the First Baptist Church family and her community. She was a long-standing member of the First Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir, the Community Gospel Choir, and the Chancel Bells. Helen directed First Baptist Church choirs, leading both adults and children on a volunteer basis and also played both the piano and organ. She served on and led a number of committees at the church and found great pleasure in working with refugee families to establish their lives in the community. Helen had an incredible soul that allowed her to work tirelessly to spread the love of Jesus to all those around her.

Helen is preceded in death by her son Andy Mathews and her parents, Elwood and Alice Coggin. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Howard, her children Clayton (Anne) Mathews of Gainesville, FL and Susan (William) Oliver of Hastings, NE, as well as, Lyn Mathews of Lynchburg, VA (daughter-in-law). She had seven grandchildren, Timothy and Mackenzie Mathews, Benjamin and Addison Mathews, and Eleanor, Laura Kate and Meredith Oliver. She also leaves behind her siblings Emily (Earl) Gulledge, Anita (Don) Peach, and Woody (Brenda) Coggin.

While Helen’s family grieves her sudden and unexpected death, they are choosing to celebrate the incredible life and spirit for which she was well known. Her family invites the community to join them in a Celebration of Life and Memorial Service on Saturday at 2 pm at First Baptist Church. The family will receive visitors that have been touched by Helen’s life on Friday evening from 6 to 8 pm at Cotten Funeral Home.

In addition to flowers, monetary donations can be sent to the First Baptist Church of New Bern Music Program. Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Helen Mathews.