WILMINGTON — Bettie Anne Matthews Cavenaugh, of Wilmington, passed away March 14, 2025, at age 81.
She was born June 21, 1943, in Kinston, NC, daughter of the late, Edward and Ethel Boone Matthews. In addition to her parents, Bettie was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Vernie E. Cavenaugh, Sr., her brother, Fred Matthews and her sister, Saundra M. Braun.
Bettie was a graduate of Wilmington College and she eventually went on to earn her Master’s Degree at Webster University. She was Laboratory Director at New Hanover Regional Medical Center for many years. After retiring, she went back to work as a Medical Technologist for Bladen County Hospital. Bettie was a long-time member of the Wrightsboro Baptist Church.
Bettie leaves her son Vernie E. “Eddie” Cavenaugh, Jr. of Wilmington, grandson, Joshua Matthew Cavenaugh of LaGrange, two great-granddaughters, Emma and Presley, brother, Larry Matthews of Rose Hill, sister Gerelene M. Cavanaugh of Greensboro and dear friend Joyce Wommack of Wilmington.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, 1:00-2:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Wilmington.
