OBITUARY
Betty Jean Matthews
October 10, 1928 – January 3, 2021
Betty Jean Matthews, 92, of Texarkana, Arkansas passed away peacefully at a local nursing home on January 3, 2021.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Eugene Matthews, her parents, James Walter Shipp, Sr. and Inez Hooper Shipp; two brothers, James Hooper Shipp, Jr. and Clyde Vernon Shipp, Sr.
She is survived by her son, Jerry L. and Kathy Matthews of Fouke, AR; granddaughter, Carmen and Will Plemmons and great-grandson Briar; one daughter, Pat and Gary Kennedy of Texarkana, TX; granddaughter, Katrina and Dr. Robert McGinnis of Texarkana, TX, great-grandchildren Sam and Katelyn; grandson, Brandon and Lauren Kennedy of Texarkana, TX, great-grandchildren Zoey and Parker; grandson, Christopher and Anna Kennedy of Fayetteville, AR and baby Elijah due January 2021.
She and Bob (Robert) were happily married for 70 years. She was a prior member of the Miller County Home Extension Club. She was a past member of County Avenue Baptist Church. Betty Jean was a very sweet, loving person who never said anything negative about anyone. She was a perfect role model to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved them with her whole heart and would give them anything they wanted. Her motto was spoken often "Life is Good", with a little "he he" laughter behind it. She also loved to say "Oh really!" It made us all smile. She loved camping at Lake Ouachita with Bob, her children and grandchildren. She had numerous friends at the lake and never met a stranger. She will be dearly missed.
Memorials may be made to Parkinson's Foundation or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
A special thank you to the staff of Cornerstone Skilled Nursing Facility Center and Encompass Hospice and two special caregivers, April Sutton and LaDoris Rose.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m., Thursday, January 7, 2021 at Memorial Gardens. Please observe safety precautions and wear your mask.
Due to Covid-19, a come and go visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at East Funeral Home - Moores Lane.
Condolences may be left at www.eastfuneralhomes.com.
Services
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Come and go public viewing
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
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Graveside Funeral Service
Thursday, January 7, 2021
Memories
Betty Jean Matthews
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYRemica Gray
January 8, 2021
I always enjoyed visiting with Mrs. Betty at family gatherings at Katrina and Robert's home. She was eager to greet us which made us feel very welcome. She always had something to say, and this made conversation very easy and relaxing. I will remember her sweet face and smile.
Katrina McGinnis
January 7, 2021
Mamaw Betty,
We have shared so many wonderful memories over the years. I loved spending summers at the lake with you and papaw. I remember fishing off the back of the boat for bream and you would always come running to help me take a fish off the hook because I never wanted to actually touch them myself. Haha! I enjoyed swinging on the back porch swing and trying to see how high we would get it to go, sometimes we would accidentally bump the house and giggle when papaw asked us to slow it down. You always had a cold Dr. Pepper waiting for anyone who came to visit. I always enjoyed your stories and your sweet smile. I am so thankful you have been a part of my children’s childhood, they love you so much and talk about you often. We will miss you deeply and will cherish the time we had with you!
Love Always,
Katrina, Robert, Sam & Katelyn
Camille McGinnis
January 7, 2021
We're so sorry for the loss of dear Betty and her sweet smile! She was always so sweet and friendly to us, and we are so glad that we got to know her and be around her these past years during family meals and birthday parties! We know that she will be greatly missed by her loving family and all who knew her! We send our love and prayers for comfort and strength during this sad time. May your wonderful memories of good times together help carry you though the coming days and years ahead. Love, Camille and Rob McGinnis
Susan Matthews-Millis
January 7, 2021
My Aunt Betty was a sweet, kind , precious lady who was a bright light in our family. I’ve never seen her when she wasn’t smiling , always asking “how’s your family doing Susie?” I will miss her deeply. May God bless her and give her much needed rest with Uncle Bob! Probably fishing at the most beautiful lake in heaven right now!! Deepest love and condolences to this wonderful family.. Susan and family.
Pat Thompson
January 7, 2021
Dear Jerry, Patricia and Families:
Please know that you are very much in my thoughts and heart today. Your mother was such a special lady and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her, loved her. May the love of family and friends comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead. You will continue to be in my prayers as you make this journey.
Angela Clark
January 7, 2021
You were just always the sweetest! I always enjoyed visiting with you every time I saw you! You always had a kind word and a smile on your face! You will be missed!!
Brian Parsons
January 6, 2021
Aunt Betty,
You were one of a kind! Every time I saw you, you treated me as the most important person in the room. Your kindness was second to none!
I cherished our camping trips every summer to Lake Ouachita growing up. You loved your family and it showed in your special smile and personality. You and Uncle Bob were very special to me and our family!
Losing love ones is never easy for family and friends but you have led a long and loving life and you leave a legacy that will not be forgotten!
Rest In Peace Aunt Betty, hope to see you and Uncle Bob on the next airplane.
Brian Parsons
Sharon Mullins
January 6, 2021
Betty, Charlie and I miss our visits across the fence with you and Bob. You kept us up on the family and camping friends and experiences. You and Mr Bob will always be missed, huh? ( that huh was for Mr Bob. He often ended his sentences that way 😊)
April Sutton
January 6, 2021
The day i went to work for Mrs B was life changing ..i had lost my grandmother that year.. Mrs B wasnt a client she wouldnt have it she considered us friends & shortly after she called me hers.❤ And she was mine.. she would tell me often how she didnt know what would have happened to her if i had not come into her life ... " Its a God thing Betty Jean " i would reply.. because i often said the same about her.. I love you Betty Jean Matthews & so glad for the time we shared .. for the trials & the tribulations and for the love & laughter & all of the memories ..a bond that can never be broken .. RIL TILL WE MEET AGAIN
Chris Kennedy
January 6, 2021
Memaw, you and I shared a special bond between us. We always seemed to be getting each other into an innocent trouble as I grew up, even into the development of a young man. Words cannot begin to describe the void that will be left with your passing, however, there will be countless fond memories that I will deeply cherish forever. You and I enjoyed people watching the most I think, on the front patio with an ice cold Dr. Pepper and a couple of those buttery soft dinner rolls from Dixie Diner (you know the kind). The talks you and I shared and many life lessons learned, will certainly be passed on to my soon to be son, Elijah. I wish he would have had the opportunity to meet such an amazing woman, but rest assured he will know you, through your teachings to me. I love you Memaw, forever and always. Rest in Love.
Suzanne & Donald McAnally
January 6, 2021
Jerry,
Prayers for your family's peace and comfort in this time of sorrow. ❤🙏
Cynthia Rousseau
January 5, 2021
RIP Sweet Betty Jean, You will be truly missed! You always Loved talking about your family and we're always so proud of all of them! I always enjoyed coming to visit and always felt so welcomed! I know your Sweet Spirit will carry on and You have a Special place in Heaven! Give Uncle Bob Hugs! I know He welcomed You with Loving Arms!!
Winford Dunn
January 5, 2021
Our sincere condolence for the loss of your mother. She was a very loved mother, grandmother, and friend to so many.
- Winford and Annette Dunn
Pat Kennedy
January 5, 2021
Mom,
I loved you so much and I just can’t believe you are gone. I will remember all the fun times we had while I was growing up at home and our shopping trips. We had the best of times going to A & W Drive Inn, laughing over getting a hamburger and the Rootbeer Floats. My best times were with you and Daddy on the back porch swinging and just talking, watching the red birds and squirrels play in the back yard and feeding the birds. We had some deep talks you always gave me good advice. We cooked together and made your fabulous banana pudding and chicken and dumplings. I will treasure those memories of you forever . You had the best whistle calling the Hogs with your sharp Razorback game fight mode.
You were my best friend. We always laughed together and loved together. All of the lake friends we met together and are still friends with, no one can ever take those memories from me. So I know whenever I see a red bird I will think of you and Dad both. You enjoyed my little Dolly girl so much, I could see your face light up when you kept her for us. I know you are dancing in Heaven with Dad so give him a big hug for me. Everyone loved you and your laughter till we meet again Mom , I love you, Pat