Wilma Elizabeth "Betsy" (Matthews) Heath

Wilma Elizabeth “Betsy” Matthews Heath, 79, of Concord, N.C.  went to be with her Lord on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at Accordius Health of Concord. She had been in declining health but death was unexpected.

Betsy was born January 14, 1940 in Forsyth County, NC a daughter of the late Luther James Matthews and Wilma Elizabeth Fussell Matthews. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Jim Matthews and her husband of 51 years, Rev. Larry Michael Heath on September 7, 2013.

She is survived by two sons; L. Michael Heath, Jr. and his wife Melissa Marie Moore Heath of Lexington and James David Heath of Concord, six grandchildren; Carson Heath, Weston Heath, McKinley Heath, Bryan Heath and wife, Kendra, Andrew Heath and Aaron Heath. She was also survived by four great grandchildren, Sophia, Ava, Eliora, Declan and one great granddaughter expected in June. One brother, Ronald Matthews and wife Althea of Huntersville also survive. She is also survived by a niece and nephews.

Betsy was a longtime member of First Assembly. She was the daughter of a preacher and was a preacher’s wife. She and her husband founded and led the Married Couples Connect Group and served as a volunteer at the Billy Graham Prayer Center. She enjoyed participating in Mission Work at home and abroad.  She loved to entertain and enjoyed the Holidays.

Betsy and her late husband traveled thru out the world and she especially enjoyed going to the beaches of North and South Carolina.

Betsy was a very devoted wife and mother, enjoying anniversaries and Valentine’s Day with her husband. She loved eating chocolate, blueberries and ice cream.

A Service to Celebrate Betsy’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, January 13, 2020 in the sanctuary of First Assembly Church conducted by Senior Pastor Dr. Doug Withrup and founding Pastor Tom Whidden.  She will lie in state 30 minutes prior to final rites. Interment will follow in Carolina Memorial Park beside her beloved husband.

The family will receive friends at Whitley’s Funeral Home Sunday, January 12, 2020 from 2:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. The family request that memorials be made in her memory to the Billy Graham Prayer Center c/o the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201.

Whitley’s Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Heath. Online condolences may be sent to www.whitleysfuneralhome.com