WILMINGTON — Betty Chadwick Matzke age 94 a life long resident of the Wrightsboro Community in Wilmington left this earth for her heavenly home on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
She was born on July 13, 1932 in Durham, NC to Bonnie DuPriest Chadwick and Robert Alexander Chadwick. She moved with her family to Wilmington at an early age to her father’s home birthplace. She attended school at Wrightsboro Elementary School and graduated from New Hanover High School in 1950.
Betty was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church and was a member of the YAH Group.
She married the love of her life Eric Julius Matzke in 1951. They were married for 67 ½ years until his passing on January 25, 2019. Together they had three children, Eric (Rick) Matzke, Jr. and wife Patricia, Elizabeth Diane Matzke Allen and husband Paul and Susan Matzke Hall and husband Mark; six grandchildren Kathy and Karen, Erica and Ashley, Lori Beth and Stephanie; three great grand-children, Parker, June and Savannah; beloved sister-in-law Bland Chadwick and other family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Billie Chadwick and her beloved brother Robert A. Chadwick, Jr.
Her many activities included, a volunteer with the American Red Cross, Girl Scouts, and New Hanover Memorial Hospital for 34 years. She also served the New Hanover Board of Elections for many years until she turned 75 years old.
She and Eric traveled throughout the Country enjoying such sites as Hawaii, Alaska, Grand Canyon and multiple cruises. As a “Domestic Engineer” she kept a spotless home and cooked incredible meals for her family. When not traveling she spent many days at her Beach House enjoying warm sun, breezes and ocean waves.
In lieu of flowers, consider memorial donations to the New Hanover Humane Society (2405 N 23rd St., Wilmington, NC 28405) or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
