Lillian Matthews

Lillian Long Matthews of 14 Bailey Street, went home to Heaven on Saturday, March 17, 2012, following a long illness. A native of Roxboro in Person County, she was a daughter of the late Jonie Lambeth and Ida Slaughter Long. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Lee A. Matthews, and her son-in-law, William G. Stamey, Sr. In addition, she was predeceased by her sisters Pearl Long and Myrtle Coates, and her brothers Edgar, Lury, Moody, Bradsher, and Burt Long. She is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Matthews Stamey, grandson, William Gregg Stamey, Jr., and special caregiver and friend Juanita Hall of Canton. Also surviving are a sister Vivian L. Sanders and her husband Furman of Fayetteville and several nieces and nephews. Lillian's father, wishing to give his family church and educational opportunities, moved to Buies Creek, home of Campbell University, where Lillian spent her childhood and young adult years. She attended Buies Creek Academy and Campbell College, receiving a business degree. She was a member of Buies Creek First Baptist Church. She later moved with her husband and young daughter to Canton, where she has made her home since that time. She was a loyal member of Canton First Baptist Church where she had served in many capacities including children's programs, her Sunday School class, and WMS. She had been active in the American Red Cross, Home Demonstration Club, and Democratic Party. She had served as a precinct officer and longtime registrar for Town of Canton elections. Lillian had been employed as a bookkeeper with Hudson's Department Store and Canton Ice and Fuel Company and had worked at Winner's Department Store. A talented homemaker, she was quiet and gentle with a kind heart. She was an excellent helpmate to her husband and a wonderful mother and grandmother whose memory will be cherished. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 20, 2012, in the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the Reverend James A. Meadows officiating. Burial will follow at Bon-A-Venture Cemetery, Old Clyde Road. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Elevator Fund of Canton First Baptist Church, 74 Academy Street, Canton, NC 28716, or to Haywood County Meals on Wheels, 486 East Marshall Street, Waynesville, NC 28786.

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