Betty Ruth Matthews

Mother Betty Ruth Matthews, 80, of Sandusky, Ohio was called from labor to reward by God on July 25, 2023. She was born on January 5,1943 to the late Mary Virginia Harris in Montgomery, Alabama.
Betty later relocated to Sandusky, Ohio in 1957. She graduated from Perkins High School in its first graduating class in 1961.

Betty was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ at The Assembly of Jesus Christ in Sandusky under the leadership of the late Elder Ben Fitzpatrick. In 1978, the Henry Matthews family became members of Emmanuel Temple Church in Sandusky, Ohio under the leadership of the late Bishop Dr. Rufus G.W. Sanders. Betty was an active and faithful member of Emmanuel Temple serving in many capacities. She was a faithful Sunday School teacher for several years. She served for many years as head of the Benevolent Society of Emmanuel. She was known as “The Lily Lady” due to her efforts to get Easter Lilies to members of the church, including those who were unable to come to church due to ailments. Betty was a member of the Missionary Board for many years before becoming head of the board in 2013. As the Missionary Board leader, she worked along-side the other board members to assist in most of the major events at the church; from providing assistance to those in need, to planning and providing food for church events.

Betty was a recipient of the “Mother of the Year” award at Emmanuel and the “Great Warriors” award. She recently received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” on May 14, 2023. Although she had a quiet spirit, she was well known throughout the church and always had a large host of friends. She reached women of all ages and touched their lives with her genuine love and kindness.

Betty was a woman of many talents and interests. She was an excellent seamstress and an excellent cook and baker. She was a very stylish woman who wore fancy hats with the dresses, shoes, and purses to match. She loved plants and flowers. Another love of Betty’s was dogs. She also enjoyed vacationing with her husband and created many special memories traveling with him. They have visited all 50 states in the USA.

Betty worked outside the home at Barr Rubber in Sandusky, Ohio. She later gained employment with General Motors at the New Departure-Hyatt Bearing Plant where she held various positions in the assembly area. She retired from GM-Delphi in 2003 after more than 20 years of service. Betty was also involved in community affairs; and she participated in the Montgomery Bus Boycott as a youngster as a means to improve the bus system of Alabama. She was also a member of UAW Local 913 in Sandusky, Ohio.

Betty was an excellent example of a wife, mother, and homemaker.

Betty leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Deacon Henry Matthews, Sr., of 62 years; four children, Clarissa Matthews, Sherri Matthews, Henry (Esther) Matthews, Jr., and Stephanie (Michael) Williams; three grandchildren, Sterling Williams, Henry “Berry” Matthews, III, and Mikayla Williams; one special niece, Arzetta Harris; two special nephews, Michael Matthews and Jerry Matthews, Jr.; the Emmanuel Temple family and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her mother, Virginia Mary Harris; her sister, Mary J. Harris; two special cousins, Willie J. Lymon and Alvin Lymon; special friends, Sis. Earlene Erwin, Sis. Hermina “Toni” Matthews, and Mother Lena Sanders.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 4, 2023, from 10AM until time of Homegoing Celebration at 11AM at Emmanuel Temple Church, 128 East Adams Street, Sandusky Ohio with Pastor Eugene T.W. Sanders, Ph.D., officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, Sandusky, OH.