Juanita Matthews

Benson:  Mrs. Juanita Mae Maness Matthews, age 96, died peacefully on Saturday, August 11, 2018, at Rex Hospital in Raleigh. Public Funeral services to celebrate Juanita's life will be 2:00PM Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at the Benson United Methodist Church.  Rev. Al Hocutt will officiate.  Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery.            Juanita was born on March 9, 1922 in Moore County, NC to the late William Herbert and Lala Bonnie Shields Maness.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Yoakum Matthews. She graduated from the Woman's College of the University of North Carolina in 1943 with a degree in English and French Education.  In 1948, she married Yoakum and moved to Benson.  She taught at a number of high schools in central North Carolina for 30 years, retiring from South Johnston High School in 1981.           Juanita is survived by her children, Linda Matthews Herring & husband, Billy of Little River, SC, Vivian Matthews of Chapel Hill, Larry Austin Matthews & wife, Kathy of Benson, and William Gary Matthews & wife, Rae of Ocean Isle Beach; grandchildren, Amanda Turlington Hobson (Jason), David Scott Guffey, Sarah Matthews Turner (Greg), David Austin Matthews, and Megan Leigh Matthews, 5 great grandchildren with a sixth expected in October; sister, Aleen Langdon of Benson; and brother, William Herbert Maness, Jr. of Whispering Pines.           The family will receive friends at Benson United Methodist Church from 12:30PM to 1:30PM Tuesday prior to the service.           Flowers are welcomed; however, memorials may be made to Benson United Methodist Church, P. O. 72, Benson, NC  27504.