Dr. Matthews was truly blessed. She was raised by strong godly grandparents, who adored her immensely and made sure that her spiritual grounding was strong, and that her education and personal values were a high priority. She held two baccalaureate degrees (English and History) from UAM (then Arkansas A&M) and obtained a Masters and Doctorate degree from University Of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
She began her distinguished career in education teaching High School English at Pine Bluff High School. Following a brief stint at Pine Bluff High School, she began what she would come to realize was her true life's calling. She served as a professor of English after joining the UAM faculty in 1967. She served the university for almost half of a century, being the first female faculty member to earn tenured status.
During her years of service, Dr. Matthews was Faculty Representative/Compliance Officer for the UAM Athletic Department. She established the "Dr. Betty A. Matthews Women's Athletic Scholarship/Endowment", to provide female athletes much needed additional financial assistance for pursuing their education. She was also an avid Boll Weevil fan. She was a member of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority and was a charter member for the Chi Omega chapter of Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society and continued as the faculty sponsor. In addition, she was deeply involved in Alpha Chi, the all University Honor Society and was chosen as their first "Teacher of The Year". Out of her generosity, she was instrumental in purchasing carpet for the Missionary Baptist Student Fellow Campus Ministry building because of her passion to see college students meet in a comfortable setting as they pursued their faith In God.
Dr. Matthews, or "BAM", "Doc", or "BA", as she was affectionately referred to by family and friends, truly loved her profession with a passion that was unmatched. She relished the countless opportunities that she was given to impact the lives of so many students over the years. She not only cared deeply about the academic pursuits of her students, but she genuinely cared for them as people as well. She often counseled many of her students in the confines of her office on issues pertaining to academics, as well as their personal lives. She was a great source of inspiration and motivation to those in her company. She realized that the University setting was her mission field, and she utilized it to the fullest. Her legacy will continue to live on at UAM.
Dr. Matthews was a lover of life and strived to make the most out of the time allotted to her by her Creator. She had a delightful sense of humor, with a particular zest for all things that were interesting, entertaining, and related to chocolate. She was a huge fan of Jimmy Buffett, Willie Nelson, and The Eagles. She was also an extremely gifted and talented pianist, who could play virtually any hymn or song strictly by ear. She had an independent spirit and was a fierce advocate for the downtrodden. She was compassionate and charitable, many times unbeknownst to anyone other than herself and her Savior.
Dr. Matthews joined First United Methodist church in Monticello Arkansas in 2002. She had been a member of Pauline Missionary Baptist church for 12 years prior to that.
Dr. Matthews was preceded in death by the father of her children, Henry Victor Matthews, Sr. as well as his mother, and her longtime friend and mother-in-law, Mary Louise Brinkley Wells. She was also preceded in death by both of her grandparents, Henry Arthur Nobles, Sr. And Ruby Gray Hunter Nobles as well as her biological parents, Henry Arthur Nobles, Jr. and Mary Alverne Greene Nobles Berry. She had 2 brothers and a nephew, Donald Allen Nobles, Howard Arthur Nobles and Hunter Smith that reached heaven prior to her arrival.
She is survived by her 2 children, Henry Victor Matthews, Jr. (Hank) and his wife Diane Doucet Matthews, and her daughter Laura Gray Matthews Wilson and husband Jeff Wilson. Five grandchildren Joshua Phillip Matthews and wife Taylor, Courtney Elizabeth Matthews, David Hunter Matthews and wife Jenna, Daniel Lane Matthews and Cheney Elizabeth Wilson, all from Northwest Arkansas.
Other survivors are 1 brother, Michael Roland Berry and 2 sisters Harper Luanne Berry Greening (Doug), Martha Nobles Smith (Tim) and 1 sister-in-law, Brenda Nobles. Also, many nieces and nephews which include Michael Berry II, Paul Bienvenu (Regina) Stephanie Goad (Michael), Amanda Westhelle (Richard), Ethan Nobles (Marci), Zack (Alev), Anna Grace Collins (Bobby) and Katie Kludy (Andy). She also had many great nieces and nephews.
Dr. Matthews had many caretakers with her during her last years on this earth and they were: Sharon Grandy, Johnnie Ingram, La'Kindra Royal, Denise Wilkerson, Riviera Scales, Terica Hampton,
Roxie Rogers and Kim Franklin. They also became her family and were loved deeply by her. They will never know how much the family appreciates how well they loved "Doc Betty".
Memorial Services will be held at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home (943 HWY 425 North in Monticello, Arkansas 71655) on Saturday, March 10th. Visitation with family and friends will take place at 10:00 am, with the Memorial Service celebrating her life beginning at 11:00 am.
The family is requesting that all attendees consider wearing the color green. She loved Jesus, family and UAM with everything she had and was…this gesture would honor her many years of service to UAM.
Contributions to the "Dr. Betty A. Matthews Women's Athletic Scholarship" can be made in lieu of flowers for anyone who so desires. Mailing address for contributions: UAM Foundation, c/o John Davis-Office of Advancement P.O. Box 3520, Monticello Arkansas 71656-Memo Line: Dr. Betty A. Matthews.
Condolences(21)
Lydia W Lowery
Dermott, AR Friday, March 9, 2018 Ms. Betty was the nicest lady I have every known. I made sure I always had chocolate on hand when she stopped by my desk.Rhonda G. Williams
Warren, AR Friday, March 9, 2018 RIP Dr. Matthews, I will never forget you or your classes. You were a great one.Sara Margaret Barnett
Texarkana, TX Friday, March 9, 2018 Laura, Herman & I are praying for comfort and peace for the family & friends of Dr. Betty A. Matthews. We will be with you "in spirit" as you Celebrate the wonderful life of your Mother and friend. We will continue to pray during this time of loss for all of you and also for the UAM family.The Barnetts
Carl E Sivils
El Dorado, AR 71730, AR Tuesday, March 6, 2018 Laura,I'm sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She was a joy to many.
Prayers are lifted fro you and your family.
Mary Jo Tucker
Dumas, AR Monday, March 5, 2018 Dr. Betty A. Matthews shared with students her enthusiasm and great knowledge of literature and life. Being in her class was a delight. She was fun, witty, and caring.Vickie Barrett
Lake Village, AR Sunday, March 4, 2018 She was the best!Lindy Ebaugh Hester
Monticello, AR Saturday, March 3, 2018 Dr. Matthews was a wonderful person. She was an inspiration to many. She was the same person everywhere and every time you met her. Her words of wisdom are still in my heart. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. RIPMichella Seawright
Rogers, AR Friday, March 2, 2018 Laura my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I know that we miss our loved ones when they are gone. But know that your momma is looking down on you from heaven above rejoicing and signing God's praises.Janice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Friday, March 2, 2018 What a beautiful and delightful lady, so loved by all. I am saddened by your loss and know God has taken an angel. May God comfort you and give you peace.With love & sympathy,
Janice
Christopher Johnson
Austin, AR Thursday, March 1, 2018 Dr. Matthews was the epitome of southern grace and gentility. A graceful lady of endearing charm and provocative charisma, she was a true friend. I will miss her very, very much.linda funderburg
monticello, AR Thursday, March 1, 2018 my condolence to this familyGrant and Gay Pace
Monticello, AR Thursday, March 1, 2018 She was such a delight We have missed her so much the last few years especially at our UAM tailgates. May she rest in peace.Bob Pretridge
Hot Springs Vlg., AR Thursday, March 1, 2018 I have fond memories of Betty when we were in college. My thoughts and prayers are with You.Barbara Barnes
Hot Springs, AR Wednesday, February 28, 2018 Remembering my roommate from our old college days. What fun we always had together. Those are days that I will always cherish. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family as they carry on without her physically beside them.Terry Hawkins
Dumas, AR Wednesday, February 28, 2018 Great teacher, great lady.Know you kids know that.
Terry
Dolly Farmer
Monticello, AR Wednesday, February 28, 2018 I am so sorry and at a loss , hearing about Dr. Matthews. She was an amazing lady, that befriended me upon our meeting. She has touched many lives, mine included, and all I can say is Heaven has a new Angel, through our loss. Prayers for the family and friends of this wonderful lady. She will be missed.Patsy Mc Scavo
Hot Springs, AR Tuesday, February 27, 2018 So sorry to hear.......and we will remember our days together at A & M when we were carefree and so happy with our college friends and Betty was one ...........we are saddened to hear of her passing but will remember her with affection and joy !Lane Harrelson Kelly
, AR Tuesday, February 27, 2018 My advisor, my mentor, my friend. Love her forever. So sorry to hear this. Prayers for Lara and Hank. Hope my memory is right on your names. Been a long time.Cherie Brown
Monticello, AR Tuesday, February 27, 2018 What an amazing woman!!!! She leaves a legacy that is far reaching and long lastingTina&Ray Ferguson
, AR Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Laura,We were so sadden to hear of your mother's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Prayers of comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Tina Fletcher-Ferguson
Paul Smith
Russellville, AR Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Hank, Laura, and family -Thank you so much for sharing your amazing mother with students like myself. She touched so many lives, and played such an important role to so many.
We grieve your loss alongside you, but know that the pearls of wisdom she shared with us will be passed along to our children... and none of us whose lives were touched by Dr. Matthews will ever forget the impact she had on us.