Alice Bobbette Matthews

Alice Bobbette Matthews (nee Sullivan), 86, of Fruitland Park, Florida passed away suddenly of natural causes on May 16, 2018. She was born in Ozark AL. on May 12, 1932 to Frank and Lola (Laws) Sullivan. Bobbette is survived by her sister, Deliah Coleman of Chipley, FL. Raised in Chipley, Bobbette graduated from Washington County High School in June, 1949. In December of 1950 she met Robert Matthews, Jr., of Clinton Hollow, N.Y. They were wed on October 14, 1951. They remained married until Robert's passing October 26th, 2017, 12 days after their 66th anniversary. Throughout their marriage, her husband's career as a Master Sergeant in the US Air Force often required his absence on long term overseas assignments. During those times Bobbette admirably filled the role of both parents with strength and love, always keeping her family together and safe. Bobbette worked as a secretary for many years. From 1965-1972 she was employed with Civil Service at Plattsburg AFB NY. While in that service she received an award designating her as Outstanding Air Force Civilian as an Air Force Administrator for 1972 for Plattsburgh Air Force Base, SAC, 8th Air Force and the entire Department of the Air Force. The family was transferred to McCoy AFB in Orlando in 1972 where she was employed at Disney World from 1972-1975 Following Robert's retirement from the Air Force in 1975 the family moved from Orlando to Leesburg. That same year, Bobbette took a position as Medical Staff Secretary at Lake Community Hospital in Leesburg where she continued to work until her retirement in 2003. During her tenure at LCH Bobbette was highly regarded for her professionalism and her warm personality. She was admired and loved by many for her kindness, generosity and sense of humor. She leaves behind 4 children: Linda (Joe) Polcari, of Fruitland Park, FL, Karen (Mickey) Taylor of Fruitland Park, FL, Cliff (Nan) Matthews of Leesburg, FL, and Sam (Barbara) Matthews of Florence, S.C. She had 12 grandchildren: Shay-Anne (Adrian) Razaire, Christine Jackson, Amy (Josh) Fletch, Greg (Monica) Matthews, Ashley (Brian) Adams, David (Suzie) Matthews, Deric (Kelly) Matthews, Jessica (Andre) Krug, Shannon (Daniel) Saleeby, Jackson Matthews, Matthew (Sarai) Taylor, Matteo Polcari and 18 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Bobbette was a wonderful wife, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Her family loved her dearly and she will be greatly missed. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 9 at 11:00 am at Beyers Funeral Home in Lady Lake with Pastor John Blake officiating. Inurnment will be Monday, June 11 at 11:00 am at Florida National Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in the name of Bobbette Matthews to Good News Church, 400 Executive Blvd., Leesburg, FL 34748. Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Lady Lake, FL

Alice Bobbette Matthews

May 12, 1932 - May 16, 2018