On Sat., March 22, 2014, at 3 p.m., Rebecca Ann Matthews Mays “Becky,” passed from this life to “Paradise.” Becky was born on Nov. 24, 1948, and was 65 years of age. Becky was a member of Stony Point Church of Christ in Petersville. Over the years at Stony Point, she made many friends and was known as a true disciple of God. She often remarked that she only survived her last few years by the grace of God and his love for his children.
Visitation was last evening at Greenview Funeral Home. The funeral service will be today at 1 p.m. at Stony Point Church of Christ with Brad Adcock and Stan Dean officiating. Burial will follow in Greenview Memorial Park.
She was preceded in death by her father, Allen Matthews, mother, Ruby Matthews, and a son, William Brian Mays, who died in 1999, at the age of 29.
Those family members that will cherish the many great memories that Becky gave them are her husband, William “Bill” Mays; daughter, Kyra Haley Gist; granddaughter, Bayley Christine Gist; sister, Joyce Faye King and Gerald King, of Muscle Shoals, Ala.; and brother, Richard O. Matthews and wife, Teresa, of Lutts, Tenn. Also, she leaves behind many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces.
Becky graduated from Sheffield High School in 1967. She later received a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from UNA. At the age of 45, she received her B.S.RN degree from UNA. She worked for 35 plus years at Mitchell Hollingsworth Nursing Home and ECM Hospital. She was a nursing supervisor for her last 12 years of employment with ECM. Becky was said by all to be a dedicated nurse who loved the nursing field and was always eager to help the elderly.
“Miss Becky,” as she was known by most, was a gentle person who loved and trusted in Jesus. A week before her death, she was heard to say, “I have a peace about death.” “I so hate to leave my little family, but look what glory and peace awaits me in Heaven.”
The family would like to thank Dr. Lyman Mitchell for his dedication to Becky. He did all he could to help fight her cancer while always conscious of the need to control the extreme pain associated with her sickness. With his help and the great nursing care that Becky received in Palliative Care at ECM Hospital, Becky was able to spend her last days resting comfortably. Knowing she was pain free was a great comfort to the family. The family wishes to express a deep gratitude for those who helped with Becky. Jo Panell, a former supervising partner at ECM, stayed and nursed Becky every night to free Becky’s husband for other duties. Joyce King (Becky’s sister) was always there helping at night and during the day to help Becky to be more comfortable. Trudy Collier (husband’s sister) was always there when asked to fill-in for others at night or during the day. She and Jo also visited the family’s home often to help with Becky and to free Becky’s husband to take care of other responsibilities.
Rebecca “Becky” will be missed by her family and many others that she helped in some way to recover from an illness or just to give her nurses a smile and compliment for a job well done. A famous quote reads, “It is not what you take with you, but what you leave behind.” Becky left behind a tremendous amount of love and affection! Thank you Becky for making all of our lives better and for making this earth a much better place to be.
Active pallbearers will be Bradley King, Brian Fisher “Fisher,” Tracey Wear, Todd Wann, Jeff Arnold, George Hopwood, Greg Hodges, and Vic Hodges.
Honorary pallbearers will be Gerald King, Buddy Matthews, Wally Hodges, Andy Hatcher, and Gerald Briggs.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to either Danny Thomas in Memphis, Tenn., or the American Leukemia Society.
