The world has lost a truly unique person with the death of Nancy Eleanor Lineberry Matthews, 85, who died peacefully at her home in Cary on June 30, 2011. She was born November 12, 1925, in Aberdeen, North Carolina, the daughter of James and Almira Lineberry. Nancy graduated from Cary High School in 1942 and Duke University’s School of Nursing in 1946. She served as a member of the US Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II, before marrying her high school sweetheart, Jim Matthews, in 1946. After working in the home for many years raising their eight children, she returned to her nursing career in 1964, joining the staff of Wake Memorial Hospital’s satellite facility in Apex. Her proudest accomplishments in life were her Christian faith, her family, her nursing career, her alma mater---Duke, and her time spent on Oak Island.
After her retirement in 1975, Nancy spent much of her time at her beloved beach cottage, The Rebekah Lee. During the 25 years she lived on Oak Island, she immersed herself in life on the island. Throughout her entire life, Nancy threw herself totally into any endeavor she pursued and life on Oak Island was no exception. During her years there, she served as a captain on the town’s Rescue Squad and was actively involved in the music and missions programs of First Baptist Church of Oak Island, where she was a dedicated member. She was also a passionate protector of the beaches and took it upon herself to educate anyone she felt was endangering the natural beauty of the coastline.
When Alzheimer’s Disease began to dim her incredibly dynamic personality, Nancy returned to her home in Cary and her children cared for her throughout the remainder of her life. Her daughter Susan lived with her and provided daily loving care. In addition, Cindy Jones, of Raleigh, assisted the family in caring for their mother for more than 11 years. The family wishes to thank both Susan and Cindy for providing the best care available on this side of Heaven. The family would also like to express their strong appreciation and respect for the staff of Hospice, whose assistance was extremely helpful during the last months of their mother’s life.
Survivors include four daughters, Kathryn Adams and husband Sam of New Hill, Sarah White and husband Bill of Concord, Susan Matthews of Cary, and Priscilla Bedford and husband Bob of Raleigh; three sons, Jim Matthews of Cary, Joe Matthews and wife Melody of Raleigh, and Sam Matthews and wife Debbie of Raleigh; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three sisters; and a brother. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, two sisters, and her daughter, Rebekah Lee Matthews.
A graveside service will be held at Inwood Baptist Church Cemetery in Raleigh on Friday, July 1, 2011 at 3:00 PM . The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607. “Hoka Hey!!”
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