Betty Lloyd Matthews

Betty Carol Matthews, 91, died peacefully on Wednesday, February 5, 2026 at her son’s home in Smithfield, NC. She was born May 4, 1934 in Raleigh, NC to Frank Jennings Lloyd and LouEllen Guthrie Lloyd. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harold and her brother, Charles.

Betty grew up in Raleigh and graduated from Needham B. Broughton High School. On June 13, 1953 she married her high school sweetheart Eugene Harold Matthews, Jr. Betty and Harold lived in Raleigh until 1963, when Harold made a career move to Rockingham, NC. There they were active in civic duties and First Baptist Church. While in Rockingham they raised their three children, Teresa Ann Matthews Riley (John), Timothy Scott Matthews (Lynn), and Laura Ellen Matthews Black (Rick). Betty and Harold are survived by eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, extended family and many friends and neighbors.

A Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Clayton, located at 411 N Fayetteville St, Clayton, North Carolina, 27520, on February 7, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm with the funeral service following at 2:00 pm with Dr. Len Keefer officiating.

A Graveside service will be held at Eastside Cemetery in Rockingham, NC, on February 8, 2026, at 2:00 pm.

The family would like to thank Betty’s caregivers: Lisa Gardner, Jackie Close, and Grace Boateng, Transitions Hospice, and Joy Reid and the staff at Brookdale Senior Living in North Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to First Baptist Church of Clayton, or Transitions Hospice.