Carolyn Elizabeth Hendrick Matthews

October 18, 1956 - October 9, 2021

Carolyn Elizabeth Hendrick Matthews, 64, of Eustis, passed away Saturday, October 9, 2021. Born in Melbourne, Florida, she moved to Eustis in 1959 from Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Carolyn's family were Southern Baptist Missionaries which had her living in Kentucky, North Carolina, Costa Rica, Argentina and Georgia. She returned to graduate from Eustis High School in 1974. She graduated from Lake Sumter Community College with an AS Degree, also received a BS from University of Florida and a MSN in Nurse Education from UCF, all with honors. She was an RN for 42 years serving on the medical surgical floor at Waterman Hospital. Carolyn was the Director of Nursing at the skilled nursing facility at Lakeview Terrace. She was a Nurse Educator at Lake Sumter State College for 28 years, where she was a part of development of many new programs including a Simulation Lab which she toured the country presenting to nurse educators. Carolyn was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Eustis, participating in Sunbeams and reaching the top level of GA’s. She served young couples as a Sunday School Director, Teacher and Director of Fellowship. She taught Vacation Bible School and served on the Nursery Committee. She also served as Treasurer for Eustis High School Boys Basketball in 2000-2001. Carolyn loved to write, do ceramics and adult coloring. She even had songs written about her, published and recorded. Carolyn is survived by her husband of 42 years, William D. "Billy" Matthews, Eustis, FL; son, Kurtis (Renee) Matthews, Eustis, FL; daughter, Sara (Maxwell) Lord, Oak Creek, WI; mother, Joanne Tyre Hendrick, Eustis, FL; 2 brothers, Robert "Butch" (Jennifer) Hendrick, Eustis, FL, Carl (Gina) Hendrick, Punta Gorda, FL; 5 grandchildren, Bryson, Rachel, Hannah, Tessa & Brody. Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Umatilla on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 3:00 PM. Carolyn will be laid to rest at Lakeside Memory Gardens, Eustis. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cornerstone Hospice, 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL 32778 or to the Lake Sumter State College Foundation Scholarship Fund (Please earmark that it is In memory of Carolyn Matthews for nursing Scholarships), 9909 US-441, Leesburg, FL 34788. Online Guestbook available at www.hardenpauli.com Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis.