Martha Hughes Matthews

After a life lived as a caring educator, reader, writer, mother, grandmother and spouse, Martha Bruce Hughes Matthews, age 75, peacefully left this world on December 22, 2022. She was fortunate to have lived a life full of substance and enjoyed the two communities she called home – Raleigh and New Bern.

A native of Raleigh, NC, Martha met the love of her life, Clay Matthews, while attending Daniels Middle School. A member of the Broughton High School class of 1965, she began her higher education at Meredith College and graduated from North Carolina State University with honors in 1969, earning a bachelor’s degree in Sociology that led her into a career in education as a teacher and an administrator in Richmond, Virginia.

A constant and capable reference for good books, lovely antiques, intricate needlepoint and wonderful recipes, Martha spent much time traveling the country with her husband of more than 50 years – enjoying good books, good food, and great people. In addition to these passions, she never lost her keen realization that many in the world suffer unreasonably, and was, thus, always a friend of someone in need or a supporter of a cause critical to improving the lives of all.

Upon retirement, Martha and Clay moved to New Bern, NC to be near family, close friends, and the beach. An avid collector of shells and antiques, she found joy in walking the beach with her grandchildren or strolling through fine antiques shops throughout the South.

Martha was deeply loved and will be remembered by family and friends who are thankful for her life. She is survived by her husband, the Rt. Reverend F. Clayton Matthews; her son, John Clayton Matthews; her daughter in law, Elizabeth Warner Matthews; her grandchildren, Martha Rose Matthews, Clayton Warner Matthews, Charles Jackson Matthews, John Clayton Matthews, Jr.; and, her loving Labrador, Etta.

A memorial service will be held on January 5th at Christ Episcopal Church in New Bern at 11am. (320 Pollock Street, New Bern, NC 28560)

A committal service will be held on January 6th at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Raleigh at 2 pm. (1520 Canterbury Road, Raleigh, NC 27608)

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to one of the following charities: The Children’s Home Society - https://www.chsnc.org/; The Salvation Army of Wake County -https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/wake/; or Transitions LifeCare - https://www.transitionslifecare.org/

Services by Brown-Wynne, 300 St. Mary's Street, Raleigh.