Carol Jean Matthews, 83, of Worton, MD passed away peacefully at home on September 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Carol was born in Farmingdale, NJ on February 25, 1943, to the late William and Jeanne Megill. She was raised in New Jersey where she married the love of her life Clifford Matthews Sr. in 1961. Together they built their life in New Jersey where they started their family. They purchased a farm in Worton in 1964 and it was here they built their life and raised their family. Along with working the family farm, Carol also worked in the Worton Elementary School cafeteria, Montgomery Wards, the Kent News and most recently Lamotte Chemical, where she retired in 2008.

Carol loved the Lord and was a longtime attendee of Worton United Methodist Church. She also enjoyed dancing. She and Cliff were members of the Pepper Steppers Square Dance Club where they made life long friends. She also enjoyed helping others and found joy in volunteering at Magnolia Nursing Home in the activities and arts department. She loved her garden, going to yard sales and pizza and ice cream. Above all she loved her family. She was a tireless advocate for her family and loved every opportunity to spend time together.

In addition to her parents, Carol is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years Clifford E. Matthews Sr., son in law Herman Bedwell, and grandson Doug Bigelow.

She is survived by her children Clifford E. “Kip” Matthews Jr. (Monica) of Centreville, MD, Kenneth W. Matthews (Laura) of Kennedyville, MD, Cherie L Bedwell (Tom) of Betterton, MD, and Julie J. Bedwell of Still Pond, MD; sister Linda L. Graga of Farmingdale, NJ; and 16 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday September 30 from 5 PM to 7 PM in the Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech, Galena MD, where a funeral service will be held on Thursday October 1 at 11 AM. Burial in Union Cemetery, Worton, MD.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to Compass Regional Hospice, 160 Coursevall Dr., Centreville, MD 21617 https://compassregionalhospice.org/, or Worton UMC Roof Fund, PO Box 114, Worton, MD 21678.