Elizabeth Campbell Matthews, 85, of Milton, Florida peacefully departed from her home surrounded by family to her Heavenly mansion on Wednesday, January 26, 2011.
Elizabeth was born on April 9, 1925 in Pace, Florida and moved to Chumuckla in 1932. She was the youngest of three children born to James Edward (Jim) Campbell and Dessie Howell Campbell. She enjoyed acting in many plays and playing basketball at Chumuckla High School (Class of 1942). Elizabeth received a degree in Home Economics Education in 1946 from Florida State College for Women (now Florida State University). She taught Home Economics at Fort Walton High School during the 1946-47 school year. A neighbor in Chumuckla, Mrs. Lulu Kimbrough, invited Elizabeth and Olyn to dinner for the purpose of introducing them to each other. They married on September 12, 1947, at her parents' home in Chumuckla. Elizabeth took delight in being a homemaker, raising her two children and assisting her husband by answering phone calls while he was making farm visits as the county veterinarian. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother with a sweet, gentle spirit. She was cherished and will be deeply missed.
Elizabeth was a member of First Baptist Church of Milton since 1947. She enjoyed working with four-year-olds in Sunday School for many years. Along with her church activities, she was a leader in Cub Scouts and Junior Garden Club.
In addition to her parents she was predeceased by two brothers, J. Lee Campbell and Lamar Campbell.
Elizabeth is survived by her husband of 63 years, Dr. Olyn Matthews; son Roger (Vicky) Matthews of Milton; daughter Martha (Robert) Trigg of Navarre; two granddaughters Autumn and Ashley Matthews of Milton; four sisters-in-law, Myrtle Campbell of Pensacola, Frances Campbell of Chumuckla, Mattie Matthews of Bonifay, Margaret Matthews of Marianna; many cousins, nieces, nephews; and a special friend, Rosie.
Visitation will be from 10:30-12:00 pm on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at First Baptist Church in Milton. Funeral services will be at 12:00 noon with Dr. David Spencer officiating. A lunch for the family and friends will follow at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center. A private burial will be at Elizabeth Chapel Community Cemetery on a later date. Lewis Funeral Home, Milton is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 6797 Caroline St., Milton, Florida 32570; Covenant Hospice, 5041 North 12th Avenue, Pensacola, Florida 32504; or the charity of your choice.
Published in Pensacola News Journal from January 28 to January 29, 2011
