Helen Bland Matthews, age 88, of Burlington, North Carolina, passed away surrounded by family on May 27, 2023, after several months of declining health.

Helen was born on January 10, 1935, to parents Daniel Wayland Bland and Helen Haynes Bland in

Salisbury, NC. During her early school years, she enjoyed chorus, dance, and sports. She particularly enjoyed playing basketball in high school. Helen led a remarkable life and loved her lengthy career as an

educator.

She attended East Carolina University and earned a B.S. degree in Elementary Education. After graduation, Helen taught 7th grade and married John Richard (Dick) Matthews. She also celebrated the

birth of 2 daughters, Margaret Haynes, and Helen Malenda. She later acquired a master's degree in Supervision and Administration from East Carolina University in 1965, and then worked as a school administrator. Helen was also a dedicated member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Honor Society from the early 1960's.

She returned to school at Duke University and worked toward her doctorate in the late 1960's. Her new passion became teaching and guiding student teachers at both N.C. Wesleyan University and Methodist

University until retirement to Emerald Isle, NC. Whether she was teaching or mentoring, she dedicated her life to supporting the careers of her family and students.

Helen and her husband Dick Matthews loved to travel. She had many wonderful adventures with him and other family members traveling to Greece, Egypt, France, Italy, England, Hawaii, and China.

After her retirement Helen found a new passion in card making and led workshops for family and friends at her senior living community. She eagerly continued to support the careers of her family, including giving childcare support for her niece and family. She eventually moved from her home at Emerald Isle, NC to Burlington, NC to be close to family and enjoy her great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her parents, husband, John R. (Dick) Matthews, and siblings, William Bland, Daniel Bland, and Adelaide Johnston.

Helen is survived by her daughters, Margaret Haynes M e r i t and Helen Malenda Matthews, grandchildren Ben Merit and Rachel Moore, great grandchildren David, Beverly, and Alma Moore, nieces and nephews Robin Smith, Rob Johnston, Gabriel and Sophia Johnston, Jackson and Max Smith, Bruce and Bill Bland.

Her presence will be greatly missed by family and friends. A memorial in her honor will be held at the Western Carolina State Veteran's Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC at a date to be determined.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/helen-matthews/obituary/

Copy