Bessie Matthews

Mrs. Bessie Mae Thompson Matthews, 92, of Mexia passed away February 23, 2011. Mrs. Matthews was born September 18, 1918 at Kemp, Texas. Bessie Mae Thompson and Ira Lee Matthews met while both were working in New London, Texas. They went together for one month and 20 days before marrying January 20, 1938. They lived together for 67 years before Ira went to be with our Lord, December 22, 2004. Mrs. Matthews worked for White and Gillespie Drug before going to work for the Mexia State School for 25 years. She was the day supervisor at the Martin building before retiring August 31, 1980. Bessie Mae and Ira Lee joined the First Baptist Church of Mexia in 1948. They worked in many positions; among which were beginners Sunday School class, President of Adult Sunday School Class, Secretary of Olivia Wilson's W.M. Missionary. They helped with the R.A.'s and G.A.'s for our young people. Mrs. Matthews was preceded in death by her husband, Ira Lee; parents, Frank and Pearl Thompson; son, Jerry Matthews; and brothers, Leroy, J.C. and Travis Thompson. Bessie Mae is survived by her daughter, Judy and husband, Raymond Lipsey of Mexia; grandchildren, Sandra Lee Matthews Stein and Michael Stein of California and Jim and Sallie Matthews of California; great-grandchildren, Rachael and Ilyssa Stein, Chris, Sean, Cole and Ella Matthews all of California; great-great-grandchildren, Paige and Duke of California. Her son, also, left a wife, Carolin and her children, Judy and Randy Brisel, Jim and Bobbi Williams and Janet and Bill Kloewer; her grandchildren, Trent, Dustin, Nicole, Emma and Joey all of Iowa; her great-great-grandchildren, Hunter and Kaylee of Iowa. She is also survived by nieces and nephews and several first cousins. Visitation with the family will be 5-7 p.m. Sunday at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home. Mrs. Matthews' services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 28, 2011 at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Marcus Sheffield officiating. Interment will follow in the Mexia Cemetery.