BETTY MATTHEWS

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 Shipp; two brothers, James Walter Shipp, Jr. and Clyde V. 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 Home Health.

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.