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 29th 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.
Dear Matthews Family,
BarBara has been on my heart the last few days and now I know why. I believe that she was saying goodbye. How loved she was! By not just her family, but her clients, who became her friends, such as Jim and I who adored BarBara. She first helped us purchase our first home in Dallas and then our second and third homes in Flower Mound. BarBara was such a light and force of nature. And that’s an understatement for anybody who was blessed to know her! I will miss you so much BarBara and love you.
Mellany and Jim Lamb
Thursday October 13, 2022
Dear Matthews Family,
BarBara has been on my heart the last few days and now I know why. I believe that she was saying goodbye. How loved she was! By not just her family, but her clients, who became her friends, such as Jim and I who adored BarBara. She first helped us purchase our first home in Dallas and then our second and third homes in Flower Mound. BarBara was such a light and force of nature. And that's an understatement for anybody who was blessed to know her! I will miss you so much BarBara and love you.
Barbara Helen you will always be my big sis. Thank you. Thank you to Walter for taking such loving care of my sister. I hope someday I can follow his example of a loving husband. I am proud to call him my brother in law. Thank you to the girls for the care of their mother, l know she is proud of all her kids.
Love you sis. Bobby
By the way, I understand my sister just listed St Peter’s place and she showing him a couple upgrades. She also has made arrangements for Santa’s Breakfast. Some things will never change.
Bob Adams
Thursday October 13, 2022
Barbara Helen you will always be my big sis. Thank you. Thank you to Walter for taking such loving care of my sister. I hope someday I can follow his example of a loving husband. I am proud to call him my brother in law. Thank you to the girls for the care of their mother, l know she is proud of all her kids.
Love you sis. Bobby
By the way, I understand my sister just listed St Peter’s place and she showing him a couple upgrades. She also has made arrangements for Santa’s Breakfast. Some things will never change.
Barbara Helen thank you for being my big sis. Thank you to Walter for being such an incredible loving husband and taking care of our girl. I hope someday I can grow to
a man like him.. I know how proud you are of your girls and the care given to they’re mom. I know how proud you are of your girls .
. That is a direct reflection of your parenting . Love you guys Bobby
Bob Adams
Thursday October 13, 2022
Barbara Helen thank you for being my big sis. Thank you to Walter for being such an incredible loving husband and taking care of our girl. I hope someday I can grow to
a man like him.. I know how proud you are of your girls and the care given to they're mom. I know how proud you are of your girls .
. That is a direct reflection of your parenting . Love you guys Bobby
God Bless you Barbara
And peace be with you Walter and your entire Wonderful Family.
BarBara will always have a special place in our memories, and hearts forever.
Cousin Russ.
Russ Adams
Thursday October 13, 2022
God Bless you Barbara
And peace be with you Walter and your entire Wonderful Family.
BarBara will always have a special place in our memories, and hearts forever.
Cousin Russ.
Barbara my dearly loved friend. thank you for the years of listening and being the best adopted sister ever. I will do my best to continue to be “trouble” as you called me. i know you are getting everything ready for when we join you again.
God speed see you again on the other side
Trouble aka Cynthia
cynthia underwood
Thursday October 13, 2022
Barbara my dearly loved friend. thank you for the years of listening and being the best adopted sister ever. I will do my best to continue to be "trouble" as you called me. i know you are getting everything ready for when we join you again.
God speed see you again on the other side
Trouble aka Cynthia
Melodie and Family,
Reading BarBara’s obituary makes it hard to be sad. What a gregarious, colorful, intentional and faith-filled life she lived. The vision of her commanding the room and dancing in heaven is just too joyful to regret her absence here.
The sure knowledge that she is with those who went before her and the assurance that you will all be together again mixed with her strong faith takes the sting out of death.
Praying for your peace in the coming days.
Shirley Ward
Thursday October 13, 2022
Melodie and Family,
Reading BarBara’s obituary makes it hard to be sad. What a gregarious, colorful, intentional and faith-filled life she lived. The vision of her commanding the room and dancing in heaven is just too joyful to regret her absence here.
The sure knowledge that she is with those who went before her and the assurance that you will all be together again mixed with her strong faith takes the sting out of death.
Praying for your peace in the coming days.
I cherish the memories. Ellis and I played “busboy/girl” a number of times at one of her fun functions. She was bigger than life with a heart just as big. It was always a fun time to be with her. Loved her and love her family. Prayers for a peace beyond all understanding. Love, Pat Chadick
Pat Chadick
Thursday October 13, 2022
I cherish the memories. Ellis and I played “busboy/girl” a number of times at one of her fun functions. She was bigger than life with a heart just as big. It was always a fun time to be with her. Loved her and love her family. Prayers for a peace beyond all understanding. Love, Pat Chadick
7 thoughts on “BarBara Matthews”
Mellany and Jim Lamb
Dear Matthews Family,
BarBara has been on my heart the last few days and now I know why. I believe that she was saying goodbye. How loved she was! By not just her family, but her clients, who became her friends, such as Jim and I who adored BarBara. She first helped us purchase our first home in Dallas and then our second and third homes in Flower Mound. BarBara was such a light and force of nature. And that’s an understatement for anybody who was blessed to know her! I will miss you so much BarBara and love you.
Mellany and Jim Lamb
Thursday October 13, 2022
Dear Matthews Family,
BarBara has been on my heart the last few days and now I know why. I believe that she was saying goodbye. How loved she was! By not just her family, but her clients, who became her friends, such as Jim and I who adored BarBara. She first helped us purchase our first home in Dallas and then our second and third homes in Flower Mound. BarBara was such a light and force of nature. And that's an understatement for anybody who was blessed to know her! I will miss you so much BarBara and love you.
Bob Adams
Barbara Helen you will always be my big sis. Thank you. Thank you to Walter for taking such loving care of my sister. I hope someday I can follow his example of a loving husband. I am proud to call him my brother in law. Thank you to the girls for the care of their mother, l know she is proud of all her kids.
Love you sis. Bobby
By the way, I understand my sister just listed St Peter’s place and she showing him a couple upgrades. She also has made arrangements for Santa’s Breakfast. Some things will never change.
Bob Adams
Thursday October 13, 2022
Barbara Helen you will always be my big sis. Thank you. Thank you to Walter for taking such loving care of my sister. I hope someday I can follow his example of a loving husband. I am proud to call him my brother in law. Thank you to the girls for the care of their mother, l know she is proud of all her kids.
Love you sis. Bobby
By the way, I understand my sister just listed St Peter’s place and she showing him a couple upgrades. She also has made arrangements for Santa’s Breakfast. Some things will never change.
Bob Adams
Barbara Helen thank you for being my big sis. Thank you to Walter for being such an incredible loving husband and taking care of our girl. I hope someday I can grow to
a man like him.. I know how proud you are of your girls and the care given to they’re mom. I know how proud you are of your girls .
. That is a direct reflection of your parenting . Love you guys Bobby
Bob Adams
Thursday October 13, 2022
Barbara Helen thank you for being my big sis. Thank you to Walter for being such an incredible loving husband and taking care of our girl. I hope someday I can grow to
a man like him.. I know how proud you are of your girls and the care given to they're mom. I know how proud you are of your girls .
. That is a direct reflection of your parenting . Love you guys Bobby
Russ Adams
God Bless you Barbara
And peace be with you Walter and your entire Wonderful Family.
BarBara will always have a special place in our memories, and hearts forever.
Cousin Russ.
Russ Adams
Thursday October 13, 2022
God Bless you Barbara
And peace be with you Walter and your entire Wonderful Family.
BarBara will always have a special place in our memories, and hearts forever.
Cousin Russ.
cynthia underwood
Barbara my dearly loved friend. thank you for the years of listening and being the best adopted sister ever. I will do my best to continue to be “trouble” as you called me. i know you are getting everything ready for when we join you again.
God speed see you again on the other side
Trouble aka Cynthia
cynthia underwood
Thursday October 13, 2022
Barbara my dearly loved friend. thank you for the years of listening and being the best adopted sister ever. I will do my best to continue to be "trouble" as you called me. i know you are getting everything ready for when we join you again.
God speed see you again on the other side
Trouble aka Cynthia
Shirley Ward
Melodie and Family,
Reading BarBara’s obituary makes it hard to be sad. What a gregarious, colorful, intentional and faith-filled life she lived. The vision of her commanding the room and dancing in heaven is just too joyful to regret her absence here.
The sure knowledge that she is with those who went before her and the assurance that you will all be together again mixed with her strong faith takes the sting out of death.
Praying for your peace in the coming days.
Shirley Ward
Thursday October 13, 2022
Melodie and Family,
Reading BarBara’s obituary makes it hard to be sad. What a gregarious, colorful, intentional and faith-filled life she lived. The vision of her commanding the room and dancing in heaven is just too joyful to regret her absence here.
The sure knowledge that she is with those who went before her and the assurance that you will all be together again mixed with her strong faith takes the sting out of death.
Praying for your peace in the coming days.
Pat Chadick
I cherish the memories. Ellis and I played “busboy/girl” a number of times at one of her fun functions. She was bigger than life with a heart just as big. It was always a fun time to be with her. Loved her and love her family. Prayers for a peace beyond all understanding. Love, Pat Chadick
Pat Chadick
Thursday October 13, 2022
I cherish the memories. Ellis and I played “busboy/girl” a number of times at one of her fun functions. She was bigger than life with a heart just as big. It was always a fun time to be with her. Loved her and love her family. Prayers for a peace beyond all understanding. Love, Pat Chadick
Dear Matthews Family,
BarBara has been on my heart the last few days and now I know why. I believe that she was saying goodbye. How loved she was! By not just her family, but her clients, who became her friends, such as Jim and I who adored BarBara. She first helped us purchase our first home in Dallas and then our second and third homes in Flower Mound. BarBara was such a light and force of nature. And that’s an understatement for anybody who was blessed to know her! I will miss you so much BarBara and love you.
Mellany and Jim Lamb
Thursday October 13, 2022
Dear Matthews Family,
BarBara has been on my heart the last few days and now I know why. I believe that she was saying goodbye. How loved she was! By not just her family, but her clients, who became her friends, such as Jim and I who adored BarBara. She first helped us purchase our first home in Dallas and then our second and third homes in Flower Mound. BarBara was such a light and force of nature. And that's an understatement for anybody who was blessed to know her! I will miss you so much BarBara and love you.
Barbara Helen you will always be my big sis. Thank you. Thank you to Walter for taking such loving care of my sister. I hope someday I can follow his example of a loving husband. I am proud to call him my brother in law. Thank you to the girls for the care of their mother, l know she is proud of all her kids.
Love you sis. Bobby
By the way, I understand my sister just listed St Peter’s place and she showing him a couple upgrades. She also has made arrangements for Santa’s Breakfast. Some things will never change.
Bob Adams
Thursday October 13, 2022
Barbara Helen you will always be my big sis. Thank you. Thank you to Walter for taking such loving care of my sister. I hope someday I can follow his example of a loving husband. I am proud to call him my brother in law. Thank you to the girls for the care of their mother, l know she is proud of all her kids.
Love you sis. Bobby
By the way, I understand my sister just listed St Peter’s place and she showing him a couple upgrades. She also has made arrangements for Santa’s Breakfast. Some things will never change.
Barbara Helen thank you for being my big sis. Thank you to Walter for being such an incredible loving husband and taking care of our girl. I hope someday I can grow to
a man like him.. I know how proud you are of your girls and the care given to they’re mom. I know how proud you are of your girls .
. That is a direct reflection of your parenting . Love you guys Bobby
Bob Adams
Thursday October 13, 2022
Barbara Helen thank you for being my big sis. Thank you to Walter for being such an incredible loving husband and taking care of our girl. I hope someday I can grow to
a man like him.. I know how proud you are of your girls and the care given to they're mom. I know how proud you are of your girls .
. That is a direct reflection of your parenting . Love you guys Bobby
God Bless you Barbara
And peace be with you Walter and your entire Wonderful Family.
BarBara will always have a special place in our memories, and hearts forever.
Cousin Russ.
Russ Adams
Thursday October 13, 2022
God Bless you Barbara
And peace be with you Walter and your entire Wonderful Family.
BarBara will always have a special place in our memories, and hearts forever.
Cousin Russ.
Barbara my dearly loved friend. thank you for the years of listening and being the best adopted sister ever. I will do my best to continue to be “trouble” as you called me. i know you are getting everything ready for when we join you again.
God speed see you again on the other side
Trouble aka Cynthia
cynthia underwood
Thursday October 13, 2022
Barbara my dearly loved friend. thank you for the years of listening and being the best adopted sister ever. I will do my best to continue to be "trouble" as you called me. i know you are getting everything ready for when we join you again.
God speed see you again on the other side
Trouble aka Cynthia
Melodie and Family,
Reading BarBara’s obituary makes it hard to be sad. What a gregarious, colorful, intentional and faith-filled life she lived. The vision of her commanding the room and dancing in heaven is just too joyful to regret her absence here.
The sure knowledge that she is with those who went before her and the assurance that you will all be together again mixed with her strong faith takes the sting out of death.
Praying for your peace in the coming days.
Shirley Ward
Thursday October 13, 2022
Melodie and Family,
Reading BarBara’s obituary makes it hard to be sad. What a gregarious, colorful, intentional and faith-filled life she lived. The vision of her commanding the room and dancing in heaven is just too joyful to regret her absence here.
The sure knowledge that she is with those who went before her and the assurance that you will all be together again mixed with her strong faith takes the sting out of death.
Praying for your peace in the coming days.
I cherish the memories. Ellis and I played “busboy/girl” a number of times at one of her fun functions. She was bigger than life with a heart just as big. It was always a fun time to be with her. Loved her and love her family. Prayers for a peace beyond all understanding. Love, Pat Chadick
Pat Chadick
Thursday October 13, 2022
I cherish the memories. Ellis and I played “busboy/girl” a number of times at one of her fun functions. She was bigger than life with a heart just as big. It was always a fun time to be with her. Loved her and love her family. Prayers for a peace beyond all understanding. Love, Pat Chadick