Jo Ann Matthews

Jo Ann Matthews passed away peacefully at her home in Pinehurst, Sunday, Aug. 5, after a lengthy illness. A celebration of her life will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, at Claybar Funeral Home Chapel in Orange. Visitation will be Tuesday afternoon from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Jo Ann was born May 5, 1925 at Rodessa, La., the youngest daughter of James Thomas and Mary Elizabeth Keener. She was preceded in death by brothers Leonard Keener, Otis Keener, Earnest Keener, Mansel Keener, and sisters, Ida Keener Foster and Willie Keener Foster. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Luke Smith of Orange.

She was a charter member of Trinity Baptist Church in Orange.

She is survived by her husband, W.B. “Bill” Matthews, Sr., stepson, W. Bryce Matthews, Jr. and wife, Marilyn; one step-grandson, W.B. “Matt” Matthews III and two step great granddaughters; two sisters, Maude Carpenter of Arcadia, LA and Roberta Dalton of Odessa, and many nieces and nephews.

Dr. Bob Webb, Pastor of Trinity Baptist Church will be presiding at her services. Pallbearers will be Dickie Hazlewood, Randy Hazlewood, Preston Nichols, Tom Horton, Jerry Hughes, and Scott Horton.

Honorary pallbearers will be Herman Bowler and the Men’s S.S. Class at Trinity Baptist church.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Building Fund at Trinity Baptist Church.