Barbara Matthews

Barbara Ann Hendrix Matthews, 88, of Prosperity, widow of Valjean L. “Pig” Matthews, died Saturday, October 7, 2023, at her home.

Born on December 5, 1934 in Prosperity, she was a daughter of the late Homer Oscar and Daisy Manona “Nonie” Hawkins Hendrix. She attended O’Neal School from the first through sixth grade, then later attended and graduated from Hollywood High School. She was a lifelong member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. She devoted her life to her husband and children. She often stated that she had a job you don’t retire from. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, including being their chauffeur and babysitter when needed. She loved sewing, crocheting, and taking photos of her family. She loved riding motorcycles with her husband well into their 70’s. They enjoyed many trips on their Gold Wing from the Florida Keys to the mountains of Virginia. She also enjoyed hunting and fishing with her husband and children and spending time on her beloved Lake Murray watching her children swim and water ski.

She is survived by her children, Wanda (Bobby) Taylor of Prosperity, Anthony (Sebrena) Matthews of Prosperity and Donna Eichstaedt of Lexington; brothers, Richard (Margaret) Hendrix of Prosperity and Von (Jean) Hendrix of Prosperity; grandchildren, Brandon (Elyse) Koon, Brian Koon, Lesley Taylor (Marcus Loner), Meagan Walker, Mallory (Teal) O’Dell and Emily Eichstaedt; great-grandchildren, Halle Koon, Hayden Koon, Dalton Koon, Wyatt Koon, Zayne Loner, Dawson Loner, Bear O’Dell, and Abbi O’Dell. 

She is also survived by Lindsay Koon Stoudemire and Hayes Stoudemire as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends and her cat, Skippy.

Mrs. Matthews was predeceased by a grandson-in-law, Kenneth Walker.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church by the Rev. William Strand.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will be at her residence where they will receive friends and they will also receive friends following the service at the church.  Memorials may be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 255 St. Mark’s Church Road, Leesville, SC 29070.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Oscar Lovelace and his staff, Center Well Home Health, the staff of Crescent Hospice and Glenda’s Care for their loving care.

Active pallbearers will be Brandon Koon, Brian Koon, Russell Hendrix, Teal O’Dell, Jim Fulmer, and Dick Fulmer.