WILMINGTON — Sarah Gertrude “Trudy” Matthews, 91, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 13th, surrounded by the love of family and friends.
Born near Spring Hope, North Carolina, on February 13, 1934, Trudy was the third of six children born to Eddie and Mary Bissette. She grew up on a farm in Nash County, where she enjoyed a wholesome outdoor life and learned the value of hard work, faith, and family during the post-Depression and World War II years.
After earning her degree in education from Meredith College, Trudy married her sweetheart, Hansen “Hank” Matthews, who also grew up on a Nash County farm. The couple moved to Wilmington, where Trudy began a lifelong career devoted to education. She taught at both Wrightsville Beach Elementary and College Park Elementary Schools before earning two master’s degrees in education from East Carolina University.
Trudy went on to serve as a language arts supervisor in the New Hanover County School System, where her leadership, compassion, and dedication touched countless lives. She was deeply involved in the profession she loved, serving as president of the local chapters of Alpha Delta Kappa and the North Carolina Association of Educators, as well as participating in numerous other educational organizations. Her excellence in teaching was recognized when she was named Teacher of the Year for New Hanover County Schools in the 1970’s, and she was always delighted whenever she encountered her former students as adults.
Beyond her professional achievements, Trudy’s faith and friendships were central to her life. She and Hank were charter members of Windermere Presbyterian Church, where they formed many lifelong bonds and served their community with warmth and grace.
Trudy found joy in traveling, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. She will be remembered for her kind heart, her gentle demeanor, and her steadfast belief in the power of education to change lives. She adored her granddaughters, and she took great pride in them.
She is survived by her son, Hansen Matthews Jr. (fiancé LeAnn Pierce); granddaughters Lindsey Segal (husband Mark), Lauren Ramchandran, and Landis Phillippi (husband Scott); her brother, Edward Bissette; sister-in-law Wanda Farmer (husband Carl); niece Carla Weiss (husband Mark); and many other beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Hank Matthews; sisters Dorothy Bissette and Janie Joyner; and brothers Lawrence and Elton Bissette.
Trudy’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to Barbara Simmons, Lori Lucero, Brenda King, Pam Thomas, Dr. Boyan Georgiev and staff, and the many friends and caregivers who made the last five years of her life not only comfortable, but filled with laughter, companionship, and joy.
As a tribute to her lifelong dedication to education – and to Hank’s belief in the importance of vocational studies – the family will establish a scholarship in their memory at Cape Fear Community College.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family’s scholarship fund at Cape Fear Community College: Hank & Trudy Matthews Scholarship. Donations should be made to the “CFCC Foundation” and mailed to 411 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.
