Sally “Bess” Matthews, age 71 of Forest City, NC, passed away unexpectedly on July 11, 2023 after a brief illness. She was the third of five children born to John Augustus Moore and Alice Lorraine (Sonie) Sonafelt of Baton Rouge, LA.

She is survived by Fred, her loving husband of 50 years; her three sons, Seth (Jessica), Travis (Antonia) and Will; her beloved grandson, Weston; sisters Sonie (Kent) Milton, and Margaret (Frank) Foote; brother Andy (Ivy) Moore; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bess was preceded in death by her parents and oldest sister, Jocelyn Moore King.

After earning her degree in food science at Louisiana State University, Bess and Fred moved from Baton Rogue to establish their life—and family—in Forest City. Beloved in the community, Bess taught adult education for 23 years at ICC, enjoyed volunteering in the classroom at Mount Vernon elementary school, and readily gave her time to help countless others.

Bess loved hiking in the woods, her yard, her flowerbeds, her garden, and her birds. Mother Nature will miss her.

Bess found peace in nature, and spent countless hours caring for her garden, turning it into a rainbow of colors. She readily shared her knowledge and joy with friends and family, and the fruits of her labor — swapping flowers, fresh produce and expertly canned goodies.

Being creative was part of Bess’ very soul, and she took much pleasure in rug hooking (and her beloved friends in the Tar Heel Ruggers guild), sewing and all kinds of needlecraft—expertly creating unique works of art.

Her nurturing spirit and big heart created an abundance of beauty in her life, from her family, to the farm and home she built with Fred, to the deep relationships they share with so many dear friends.

Family will receive friends during an informal gathering at Padgett & King Mortuary on Saturday, July 15 from 5pm to 6:30pm.

The Matthews family is grateful for the comfort of the medical staff and caregivers who gave Bess such supportive and dedicated care during her final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, 374 Hudlow Road Forest City, NC 28043.