Our loving Mother stepped into the arms of our Lord on February 5, 2026 in Rock hill, SC at the age of 89. Helen was born June 5, 1936 in Lexington, MS to James Britt and Minnie Brown Herrin.
Helen graduated from Drew, MS High School and attended Holmes Junior College before going on to Memphis to work at Esso Oil. There she was asked by a co-worker if she would like to blind double-date with Joe from Tunica, MS. She was swept away by his southern gentlemanly ways, resulting in a 65 year marriage. He always referred to her as his “bride”. They made their homes in Memphis, Germantown and Rock Hill raising their 3 children and grandchildren, providing a nurturing, Christ-centered environment that was full of fun and healthful eating, some good and some not so good! Her love language of hospitality benefitted many that walked through her doors and beyond. They built a home that effortlessly supported each other as Joe was in the working world, she held down the fort.
Helen was fiercely loyal to the people and causes that were dear to her heart, especially to the State of Mississippi. She was committed to the Churches that were a part of their lives over the years including Whitehaven Methodist, First Evangelical, and Westminster Presbyterian. She and Joe enjoyed their country club life and wintering in Naples, FL. She lovingly shared these passions with her children and grandchildren.
Helen was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Curtis J. Matthews, Sr. (Joe), her brother, James Britt Herrin, and her baby sister, Fay Lorraine, as well as several special Aunts, and life-long girlfriends.
Helen is survived by her son, Dr. Curtis J. Matthews, Jr (Lisa), and daughters, Brittney M. Baird (Craig) of Germantown, TN, and Mary Margaret Price (Rusty) of Corinth, MS.
She also leaves her grandchildren, Andrew Matthews (Caitlin) of Columbia, SC, William Matthews (Shanel) of Columbia, SC, Sarah M. Cummings (Joe) of Memphis, TN, Ivy Price-Crockett (Joe) of Albuquerque, NM, Stennett Price (Stacy) of Corinth, MS, and Anna Ruth Price of Florence, AL, as well as 10 great grandchildren.
As one of her grandsons wrote to her in a note, “Nana is another word for wisdom, patience, discernment, kindness, hospitality, and love and oh yeah, spaghetti!”
The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 1:00pm-2:45 pm at Greene Funeral Home Northeast Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Rd, Rock Hill, SC. A private family graveside service will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery in Rock Hill.
Memorials can be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church Mission Fund, 1320 India Hook Rd., Rock Hill, SC 29732 and Young Life of York County, 518 North Ave East, Rock Hill, SC, 29732.
Condolences may be made to the Matthews Family at www.greenefuneralhome.