Mary Evelyn Boyd Matthews, a longtime resident of Beaumont, died on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, at the age of 100. She was born in Houston, Mississippi, on March 29, 1912, to Daisy Harrington Boyd and William Riley Boyd, her family moved to Texas when she was seventeen.

Evelyn was a wonderful and loving friend, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She had a great love and pride for her entire family and faced each day with a smile and love in her heart.  Evelyn was well loved by all and will be sorely missed.

She and her family were long time members of First United Methodist Church. The church had a great influence in their lives.

Her talents, contributions to society, a precious sense of humor, and love were known and enjoyed by many. She loved to entertain and her home was always open to all. Evelyn was a gourmet cook, a fabulous seamstress, and an extremely talented artist. She often gave gifts that were labors of love that were painted, stitched, or baked.  Evelyn was always very thoughtful and put needs of others before her own. She continuously volunteered to help organizations and individuals in any way she could.

Survivors include her daughter, Sandra Matthews Dukas and her husband, Jim, of Aspen, Colorado; son, Jess A. “Jay” Matthews, Jr. and his wife, Mary, of Winnie and Bellville; grandchildren, Quintin Matthews and Maggie Matthews; and two great-grandsons all of Austin; brother, William R. “Bill” Boyd and his wife, Tim, of Center; seven nieces; and eight nephews, including John Matthews of Beaumont and their families.

Evelyn is preceded in death by her loving husband, Jess Alfred Matthews; one brother; and four sisters.

A celebration of Evelyn’s life will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 11, 2012, at First United Methodist Church, 701 Calder Avenue, in the Longe Chapel, Beaumont, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Salvation Army 2350 IH-10 East, Beaumont, Texas 77703 or to a charity of one’s choice in memory of Evelyn Boyd Matthews.