Hilda Lauretta Ewalda Matthews

Ms. Hilda Lauretta Ewalda Matthews, age 67, of Sanford, NC, transitioned to eternal rest on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Cape Fear Valley Hospital in Fayetteville, NC.

Celebrating the Life of Hilda Lauretta Ewalda Matthews

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

In the midst of her illness Hilda never lost her praise, and at 2:15 am, as promised the Lord of Hosts led his devoted servant home.

Hilda was the youngest daughter born to the late Derry and Constance Matthews, little sister to Barbra, and Thurman, dad’s oldest child. Later in life she was fortunate to have a bonus mom, Dorothy Matthews.

She loved answering to many names, Kay, Hilderee, cousin Hilda, aunt Hilda, and was auntie mama to Corey J. and Chelsye. Loving and doting on her nieces and nephews with a mother’s heart brought her so much joy. Her unofficial title was “Fashionista.” When she walked in, her aura lit up the room, in her unassuming way, as she said, “This is how mother taught us.” Her favorite color was pink.

In 1976, she graduated from Chatham Central High School and attended Winston Salem State University. Her professional career began at Lowe’s Home Improvement as a payroll administrator for many years. Later she worked as a Benefits Coordinator for Martin-Marietta.

Her Christian Faith began at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, where she confessed Christ as her Lord and Savior. A faithful worker, she served as a Deaconess, Sunday School Teacher, Class Leader, Children’s Choir Asst., the Lay Council, and President of Missionary Buds of Promise.  She also served as a member of the following auxiliaries: choir, usher board, and hospitality. With a servant's heart, much love and always with a smile.

Her life will always be cherished by her sister, Barbra Partridge, and husband, Daniel; one brother, Thurman Roberts and wife, Susan; bonus mom, Dorothy Matthews; lifelong companion, Byron Cheek; three aunts, Alice, Beulah, and Lerlean Matthews; two uncles, Hubert Matthews and wife, Helen; Wendell Matthews and wife, Joyce; three nieces, Chelsye Partridge, Shauna Roberts, and Tracey Geter; one nephew, Corey Partridge; four great nieces, Nyla, Brittany, Destiny, and London; five great nephews, Alex, Jacari, Brandon, Caleb, and Jaden; a special cousin/godbrother, Kenneth McIver.

Her Circle, The Girls of Cumnock: Gladys Mills, Doris Watson, Loscie Watson, Thurlia Martin, Shirley Thompson, Lisa Williams, Nora Palmer, Marilyn McIver, Patricia Stackhouse, Francella T. Mitchell, and Carolyn M. Bynum and big brother, Dan Partridge. She will be remembered by a host of other relatives and friends whom she loved and loved her.

Special thanks to Mr. Larry and Mrs. Stephanie Dowdy and Reverend Billy and Jeannette Buie.

"In lieu of flowers please make contributions to St. Paul AME Zion Church, Sanford, NC in her memory".

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home - Sanford, NC