Irene Matthews

Janie Irene Matthews, 86, of Asheville, died Monday, September 5, 2016, at the CarePartners Solace Center. A native of Madison Co., she was a daughter of the late Fred and Deliah Reavis Matthews. Ms. Matthews was a graduate of Mars Hill College, and worked as an accountant with Bolick and Associates. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Asheville, and active in the Sunday School. She was a former member of the Asheville Court No. 1, Order of the Amaranth for more than 25 years. She served as Royal Matron and held many offices of the Court. She also served as an officer of the Grand Court of North Carolina. Ms. Matthews is survived by her sister, Inez Rudisill and husband Bob of Charlotte; nieces, Jan Rudisill and Pam Rudisill, both of Charlotte; nephew, Pat Rudisill and wife Linda of Charlotte; and numerous cousins, including Jerrie Honeycutt of Mars Hill, and Mildred Ray. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday in the chapel of First Baptist Church of Asheville, with Rev. Leah Brown and Rev. David Blackmon officiating. Interment will follow at Green Hills Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CarePartners Hospice, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813. Her family acknowledges with appreciation her Woodland Hills neighbors and her Sunday School class members and teachers for their loving care. Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.