Dorothy Young Matthews passed away in October 2014; She was 97. Born in Angier NC to Oscar Swift and Willie Young, sister Janice of Coats and niece Sue Marshall (Richard Chamberlain) survive. Siblings Mary Francis, Charles, and Soulou, her parents and husband, Troy B. Matthews preceded her. A person of great Christian Faith, she belonged to the Kipling UMC.

Dorothy wished to work in the world of business. Her first job at the age of ten was at a local shop where she balanced the books there after school. She graduated from Coats High School, attended Meredith College and Mrs. Hardbarger’s School of Business where she excelled. She was employed at Carolina Public Service, Federal Land Bank, and was a personal secretary to Mr. E. Stewart of the Stewart-Everett Theaters in Dunn and to Mr. Robert E. Mason at his company in Charlotte where she retired. Always busy and involved with life, she loved travel, the theater and good down home cooking.

She then married Mr. Troy Matthews of Kipling. His family became hers including daughters, Mary Margaret Matthews and Paul Lohr of Nashville TN, Judy (Jack) Cox of Rockville VA, and Sandy Powers and Ed Blocher, of Durham NC, including many grandchildren and great grandchildren, all of whom she loved so much.

A total optimist, she always had a smile. She: rarely complained and faced life’s challenges courageously; was ever grateful for her life and things people did on her behalf; had great faith in the goodness in people; cared for family in sickness and in health, and supported with love and acts of kindness. Dot was truly a good person and a great lady. We so very much miss her, but are so grateful to have been a part of her life for many years.

As she lived her life, she left, it, with her own amazing grace.

We will bring her back to Carolina in the spring and provide arrangements at that time.