Deborah Ann (Beckham) Matthews

Deborah passed away peacefully on April 6, 2023 at UT Medical Center with loved ones by her side.  She suffered from heart conditions.

She was born in Medicine Lodge, Oklahoma, April 2, 1955.  She was a student of music.  She met Robert while he was stationed in the army nearby and they enjoyed 50 years of marriage and friendship, moving to East Tennessee.

Deborah was passionate about her family and friends.  She loved talking and catching up over long conversations.  She enjoyed woodworking, sewing, needlepoint and painting.  She often hand-crafted items for family and friends.  She was very creative and adventurous.  At the age of 60 jumping onto the back of a Honda Goldwing for a long ride!  She also loved being outdoors with Robert cultivating their back yard.  She has many unique birds that visit her array of colorful flowers, returning year after year.  She was an avid member of Alpha Baptist Church while she was physically able to attend and often joined online.  Deborah was not shy about her faith.  She often was heard saying, “did you pray about that?”

She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin Russell Beckham, and Hilda Clark.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Robert Matthews; children, Kris and Kim Matthews, and James and Sue Matthews; several grandchildren, Derek Treffner, Dustin Treffner, Brandon and Caroline Miller, Justin and Lydia Sammons, Kris and Lexie Matthews, Jocelyn Matthews, Logan Caines, Deanna Matthews; great-grandchildren, Jett Sammons, Grayson Matthews, and Elliott Miller; brothers, Robert and Janice Beckham, and John Beckham.

A celebration of life is planned at Stetzer-Bales Funeral Home on Sunday, May 7, 2023 from 3-5 p.m.

The family wishes to thank all her friends who kept in touch over the years, as well as Rick Long, Steven Bales, Tim and Paula Moles, George and Stacy Cameron, and Conley Britt.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask donations be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, Mission 22, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research.

Arrangements by Stetzer-Bales Funeral Home.

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