Beverly Jo Mathews

Beverly Jo Mathews, 84, died in her sleep on Saturday November 1st, after an illness.

She was born December 4th, 1940, in Elizabethtown Kentucky, to Estel and William Smith. Though she was an only child, she grew up with cousins who always affectionately referred to her as Jo. She was valedictorian of her 1959 graduating class at Elizabethtown High School, and soon after graduation, she married the love of her life, Cloyd Mathews, and they raised their family in Elizabethtown. They remained married for 65 years, until his death in 2024.

Beverly worked for various insurance companies as an administrative assistant over the years, and her typing and shorthand skills were flawless. She was also a longtime member of the E-town congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Anyone who knew her could tell you that, aside from her family, she had 3 other great loves: chocolate, Elvis, and cats. Her homemade brownies were always much requested at potlucks and picnics, and there was always some sort of chocolate candy in her purse. She belonged to countless cats over the years, often taking in strays and feeding feral neighborhood kitties on her front porch. And she never tired of listening to the music of Elvis Presley, which she called her EP therapy.

She also loved reading and movies, dangly earrings and bright scarves, puns and word games and Scrabble. Mostly she loved having her family around her, and she was a loving and supportive wife, mother, daughter and friend.

She is survived by her son Marc Mathews (Kelly) and daughter Melanie Mathews Honey (Wade), several nieces and nephews, and a cat named Brody (who now lives with Melanie and Wade). She also leaves behind many friends who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her cousins Gary and Ed Klinglesmith.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no service. If you wish to honor Beverly's memory, eat something decadently chocolate. Listen to an Elvis song (her personal favorite was a more obscure one called Just Pretend.) Make a donation to the Hardin County Animal Shelter, or better yet, adopt a cat who needs a new home.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Helmwood Healthcare (including Ollie and Twinkie, the resident cats) and the nurses and volunteers from Hosperus Health for all the care and comfort they provided her, and the many friends from her congregation for their faithful visits, gifts, and support.