Betty Godfrey Matthews

   Alpha Betty Godfrey Matthews, 93, formerly of West Grubb Street, Hertford, NC, passed away on Friday, November 9, 2018, in Elizabeth City Health & Rehabilitation.

   Mrs. Matthews was born in Perquimans County on October 10, 1925, and was the daughter of the late Abraham Lincoln "Abe" Godfrey, Sr. and Carra Ward Godfrey. A homemaker, she was a member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church.

   In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Edward "Ned" Matthews, Jr.; sisters, Marie G. Deal, Agnes G. Ivey, Gezelda G. Gurkin, Katherine G. Byrum, Daphna G. Lane, and Frances G. Spivey, and a brother, Abe L. Godfrey, Jr.

   Surviving are two daughters, Dianne M. McPherson and husband, Douglas, and Linda M. Bright and husband, William Douglas, all of Elizabeth City; a son, Walter Ken Matthews and wife, Cheryl, of Hertford; a sister, Jean G. Cartwright and husband, Edward Lee, of Elizabeth City; a sister-in-law, Doris Godfrey of Hertford; seven grandchildren, April Jones (Matt) of Apex, Joseph "Joey" Overman (Amanda) of Clayton, Dawn Overman-Beamon (Albert) of Holly Springs, Kimberly Powell (Lee) of South Mills, Craig Matthews (Jessica) of Hertford, Jason Matthews of Hertford, and Kaitlyn Birch of Hertford; and ten great-grandchildren.

   A funeral service will be held Monday at 2:00 p.m. in the Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Chapel and will be conducted by the Rev. Carroll Bundy. A private burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery. Friends may join the family in the funeral home immediately following the chapel service.

   In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Cedar Grove U.M.C., in care of Monica Thornton, 418 Lake Road, Hertford, NC 27944, or to the Alzheimer's Association, Eastern NC Chapter, 5171 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27612.

   The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to staff of Elizabeth City Health & Rehab, for the wonderful care and comfort given to their loved one during her period of declining health.

   Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.