BarBara Matthews

BarBara Helen Adams Matthews passed away Friday, September 23, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She lived a large, colorful life not easily described in black and white. BarBara was born in Chicago, IL on October 15, 1937, to George Jewett Adams & Lillie Marie Cook Adams. As the oldest of four children, she was a natural leader. BarBara grew up in Abilene, Comanche & Grand Prairie, TX. She was a proud fighting Gopher Majorette, twirling the baton and playing the flute. It was in high school that she met and began dating Walter Matthews, her beloved husband of almost 66 years. After graduating from Grand Prairie High School, she attended the University of North Texas. BarBara and Walter married in December 1956 and together they raised three rambunctious children to responsible adulthood. She was a fiercely independent, hard-working woman wholly dedicated to her family.

BarBara worked for Sarah Coventry Jewelry for 20 years, rising to the position of manager, where she developed her talents for mentoring, party-hosting, and accessorizing (never gaudy, always tastefully ornate). Often times, the jingling-tinkling sound of BarBara’s bracelets and other jewelry would announce her impending arrival prior to her physical presence in the room. BarBara believed everyday should be celebrated and her job with Sarah Coventry aligned seamlessly with her outlook. Later, BarBara became a residential realtor/broker in the Dallas area and took great pride in helping thousands of people purchase houses to make into family homes over a 35-year career. Many of these customers and friends experienced her hospitality at her annual Santa Christmas Party or other holiday gatherings.

BarBara worked diligently her entire life with concerted effort for her family. She generously shared her time, talent, and treasure. Her greatest joy was the love of her grandchildren, Cole and Alexandra, for whom she was deeply proud. BarBara was a strong woman walking a difficult path, navigating rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s over the last few years. Her strength was maintained by her full abiding faith in God, demonstrated by years of nightly devotionals read faithfully, even in her waning days. BarBara’s earthly, guiding light was her love for Walter. In the last years and days, gripped by the harshness of dementia, the mention or daily sight of Walter would elicit a smile. His presence would calm her anxious mind and body to produce a “Hey, good lookin’” response from her so often quiet voice.

So, in the coming days, listen to some Barbra Streisand, watch a musical or wear an extra piece of jewelry; celebrate a little to honor BarBara Helen Adams Matthews’ life. There is no doubt that upon entering the heavenly living room, BarBara immediately rolled up the rugs, pushed the furniture to the sides and is dancing, singing, and rejoicing with her family and friends that have preceded her.

BarBara is survived by her husband, Walter Matthews; son, Matt Matthews; daughter and son-in-law, Marcie & Don Fincher; daughter and son-in-law, Melodie & John Cottingham; cherished grandchildren, Coleman Fincher and Alexandra Fincher; brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Jessie Adams, along with many dear nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death and is joyously greeted by her parents, Lillie Marie and George Jewett Adams; her brother and sister-in-law, George (Jim) and Faith Ann Adams; and sister, Joan Hartley.

BarBara’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at ALMC Royal Gardens Assisted Living Memory Care, who so lovingly and selflessly cared for our mom/wife over the last year. We are eternally thankful for your kindness & thoughtfulness.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 29^th from 5pm-7pm at North Dallas Funeral Home, 2710 Valley View Lane, Dallas, TX 75234. Masks are strongly encouraged and will be available at the funeral home. Final burial will be a private service for immediate family. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to an Alzheimer’s association or charity of your choice.