Alix Matthews

Alix Anna Catlett Matthews passed away Sunday, August 16, 2015 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Born on March 10, 1938 in Little Rock, she was the first child of Helen Ferrell Catlett and Robert Edwin Catlett Sr. She married James Purnell Matthews on October 25, 1958. Maternal grandparents were Anna Dorsey Ferrell and Edgar E. Ferrell of Laurel, Mississippi and Alix Bidez Catlett and Samuel Glendon Catlett of Little Rock. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, her son, Joseph Purnell Matthews, and brother, Robert Edwin Catlett, Jr. She is survived by her children, Catherine Anne Matthews of Mt. View, James A. (Jill) Matthews of Little Rock, and Dr. Helen (Charles Margulis) Matthews of Oakland, California and her beloved 17 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; Justin Curran, John Matthews, James Curran, Thomas Curran, Luke Curran, Paul Curran, Anna Curran, Stephen Curran, Timothy Curran, Austin Matthews, Alix Matthews, Hallie (James) Mcelvery, Miles Lane, Mason Lane, Josie Matthews, Will Margulis, Lucy Margulis, and great-granddaughter, Lily McElvery. Also surviving are siblings, Betty (Joe) Pullam, Dorsey (Mark) De Salvo and Leon (Roxanne) Catlett, as well as many nieces and nephews. A graduate of Mt. St. Mary Academy, she attended the University of Arkansas and Little Rock Junior College where she was a member of Zeta Phi Sorority. After leaving college she taught fourth grade at Holy Souls Elementary, after receiving a call from Monsignor Francis Allen asking her for a special favor. Although raising a large family of children and grandchildren was her primary focus, Alix was involved in family business interests, holding executive positions and active roles at General Properties of North Little Rock, Motel Sleepers, Catlett Corporation and other entities. A licensed Nursing Home Administrator, she worked in the healthcare field for 20 years. Growing up in the Hillcrest neighborhood, the eldest of five children, she spent her time with Holy Souls school friends, talking on the phone, riding the bus to shop on Main Street, walking to War Memorial Pool, usually with a brother and sister trailing her. At home she began cooking, leading to culinary skills that made her a legend with family and friends. She was her family's seamstress, sewing on buttons and creating costumes for her brothers and sisters. She was a constant source of guidance and strength to her family. After marriage, she and Jim lived in Memphis while he completed his degree, then moved to the NLR Lakewood area where she raised her children. Her family came first, without fail, dedicating years guiding and helping educate nine of her grandchildren. However, she made time for anyone who ever needed her. A cousin described her as the epitome of a true Southern lady. She was strong, courageous, as well as kind, gentle, elegant, charming, and witty. Her quiet strength and positive attitude, especially in her battle with cancer, will be a legacy for family and friends. Alix would want to recognize Tina Standridge, who so ably assisted her with loving care and concern throughout her illness. The family requests memorials be made to Mt. St. Mary Academy, 3224 Kavanagh Blvd., or to a favorite charity. Alix was a member of The Cathedral of St. Andrew. A family visitation was held at Smith - North Little Rock Funeral Home at 6 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, followed by a Rosary at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be at the Cathedral of St. Andrew at 10 a.m., Wednesday with Monsignor John O'Donnell as officiant and Father Jack Vu as concelebrant. Burial will be at Brearley Cemetery in Dardanelle at 3 p.m. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.