Camella June Mattox

June was born on August 10, 1936, in Sweetwater, Oklahoma, to Howard and Esther Dickey. She graduated in 1957 from the Oklahoma Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in Oklahoma City and began her career in nursing shortly thereafter. She later became the first school nurse at Wayland Baptist College in Plainview, Texas, where she cared for students, including those isolated in the basement of the dormitories, and met her future husband, Kenneth Mattox, who was a pre-med student at the time.

They were married in 1959 and moved to Houston in 1960, where June worked at MD Anderson as head nurse on the pediatric oncology ward during an important era of research in childhood cancer. Ken and June made their home in Houston for the rest of their lives, except for two years (1967–1969) when Ken served in the U.S. Army as a flight surgeon, during which time their daughter, Kimberly, was born.

June later chose to devote herself fully to being a stay-at-home mother, a role she cherished deeply.

During Ken’s years as a student, intern, and resident at Baylor College of Medicine, June was actively involved in supporting the medical community, helping organize and participate in the Student Wives, Residents’ Wives, and Faculty Wives Clubs. During that time, she also contributed to a health initiative focused on nutrition and heart health, including a program called “Save Our Spouses Through Proper Dieting.”

She had a passion for gardening and ceramics and found great joy in creating and nurturing beauty in both. June was a devoted volunteer, giving many years of service to Girl Scouting, the AFS Exchange Program, South Main’s SMILE Ceramics Ministry, and South Main’s Sojourn House Ministry. She was also a faithful and active member of South Main Baptist Church. Through these ministries, she supported families, especially those in Houston while loved ones were undergoing medical treatment.

June will be remembered for her servant’s heart, her quiet strength, and her deep love for her family.

She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Mattox; her daughter, Kimberly Renae Toth (Dan Toth); her beloved grandchildren, Charlie, Alex (Reaghan Toth), Kelsey, Jorge, Mikey, Mariah, and Clara June Toth; and her sister, Eleanor Meares of Shamrock, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Esther Dickey, and father, Howard Dickey.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in June’s memory to organizations close to her heart, reflecting her lifelong commitment to caring for children and families, or to a charity of your choice.

Lydia Home / Safe Families for Children Supporting vulnerable children and strengthening families through hosting, foster care, and adoption-related care. https://safe-families.org

We Are Called to Care Serving children and families impacted by foster care through practical support, resources, and community. https://wearecalledtocare.com

A memorial service celebrating her life will be announced at a later date.