Jacqueline Matthews

Jacqueline "Jackie" Matthews, 72, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Jackie was born in Washington, D.C., on November 3, 1953 (or, as the government insisted, November 3, 1952—a biological impossibility according to her mother). She spent most of her life in Prince George's County, Maryland, with a brief chapter in Mesa, Arizona during her early twenties. Following her retirement, she made her home in Knightdale, North Carolina, where she enjoyed being closer to family.

She was preceded in death by her father, Francis L. Greenfield, Sr., and her sister, Patricia Greenfield.

Jackie leaves behind the love of her life and devoted husband of 52 years, Howard L. Matthews, Jr. Together they built a home rooted in love, stability, and family. She is also survived by her daughters, Karlina Matthews (Lesia) and Keianna Matthews (Christopher); her beloved grandchildren, Jamarious Irving, Gabriel Matthews, Kayla Matthews, and Avery Matthews; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Sophia Irving and Benjamin Irving.

She is further survived by her mother, Gertrude Greenfield; her brothers, James "Cornell" Greenfield (preceded in death by his wife, Mildred), Carl "Tim" Greenfield (Daisy), Mark Greenfield (preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette), Larry Greenfield, and Francis L. "J.R." Greenfield, Jr.; her sister, Bernadette "Dianne" Queen; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Jackie devoted her life to caring for others. She was a homemaker, daycare provider, avid gardener, and, above all, a nurturer. Her home was a place of comfort and refuge, and she never hesitated to open its doors to family members in need. Nothing captured her attention more quickly than the sound of a crying baby. Caring for others wasn't simply something she did—it was who she was.

Though reserved in expressing her emotions, Jackie loved deeply and fiercely. Those fortunate enough to be loved by her never had to question where they stood. Her family always knew they could count on her quiet strength, unwavering support, and steadfast presence.

Her greatest sanctuary was her yard. She found peace with her hands in the soil, tending flowers, shrubs, and vegetables with patience and care. If you looked at her YouTube history, you'd find an endless stream of gardening videos. She was always looking for a new flower to plant, a new technique to try, or simply enjoying the beauty of watching things grow. In many ways, her garden reflected her life—she nurtured everything entrusted to her and found joy in helping others flourish.

Although Jackie never pursued a career outside the home, she believed her life's most important work was raising and preparing her daughters for successful, independent lives. It was a responsibility she embraced wholeheartedly, and one in which she believed she had overachieved. The women they became stood as her proudest accomplishment and one of her greatest legacies.

Jackie will be remembered for her quiet spirit, generous heart, steadfast love, and the countless lives she touched through simple acts of kindness. The seeds she planted—in her garden, in her family, and in the lives of those she cared for—will continue to bloom for generations to come.

Though her presence will be deeply missed, her love remains rooted in the hearts of all who knew her.

*This online obituary is the sole and official obituary authorized by the family and published by the funeral home. The family does not grant permission to any third-party website, publication, or service—including, but not limited to, Legacy.com, Echovita, and similar platforms to reproduce, repost, copy, modify, alter, or distribute this obituary or any portion of its contents. Any unauthorized reproduction or modification of this obituary is contrary to the wishes of the family. For accurate and official information, please refer only to the obituary published on the K.N. Jones Memorial Care, LLC website.*