Alberta A. (Dame) Matlock
Evansville, Ind.
Alberta A. (Dame) Matlock, 71, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 26, 2016, at her daughter's home surrounded by her loving family, after a short battle with pancreatic and lung cancer.
Alberta was born in Evansville, Indiana, on December 14, 1944, to the late John Roy and Alma Jean (Blythe) Dame. Her mother died in a tragic car accident when Alberta was seven years old on September 18, 1951. Life was very difficult for her growing up. She faced many hardships as a child and adolescent that were difficult to overcome. She married Thelbert Eugene Matlock at a young age and quickly had three children. She was unable to finish her senior year of high school and always worked two or three jobs to help provide for her children. Even after divorcing with her sons still in the home, she continued to work very hard to support her family, working in the laundry at the State Hospital, as a home companion for Alice May, mother of Guthrie May, and working nights as a hostess at Western Ribeye.
It was while working at Western Ribeye, that Alberta met Betty Knight Smith, who was then the current Vanderburgh County Clerk. Betty took Alberta under her wing and offered her a job in the clerk's office. Alberta had a very successful career in the clerk's office from 1989 until 1994. It was Betty that pushed for Alberta to eventually run for City Clerk. Alberta had reservations and worried that she wouldn't be able to run the clerk's office. Betty reassured her that "if you lose, you've still got a job here." Alberta was elected as City Clerk in 1994.
Alberta suffered many tragic loses in her life. Losing her son Thomas in a motorcycle accident in 2011 was the most devastating. Through all of her loss and hardship, Alberta never wavered in being a bright beacon of light for everyone who came in contact with her; whether it was family, friends, strangers, or political adversaries, she always had a smile, a kind word, a hug, and time to listen.
Alberta never cared about a person's political affiliation, walk of life, ethnicity, or background. She always felt that a person should be given a hand up when they needed it no matter what. She was the first person to extend a hand of service. A good example of her unique ability to draw people to her is the huge amount of support she received from not only the Democratic Party, but Republicans as well throughout her political career. Alberta always said, "I do not serve a party, I serve the people." When asked about an experience of helping an elderly woman found wandering the third floor halls after the death of her husband she said, "It was a chance for me to help someone, and darn it, that's what I love the most about this job."
Lack of formal education never hindered Alberta in her career. As evidenced by her achievements, she never faced a challenge she could not rise to. She was very proud of her work during the county clerk years, bringing in millions of dollars of child support payments for parents who needed it to take care of their children. She was also very proud of running the election office and making sure everything was done perfectly. Frank McDonald Jr. said of Alberta, "She was smarter and wiser in the world of reality than most even with a PhD. You don't win five straight city elections without being respected and liked by thousands across party lines for being you and sincere." Betty Knight Smith said that Alberta had a work ethic that was "unmatchable."
Alberta was known as the "unofficial" ambassador of the Civic Center. She made the tours unique and had a special gift with helping the public feel welcome. Jonathan Weinzapfel lauded her work during his two terms leading the city, "Her down-to-earth personality made her a perfect fit as unofficial ambassador of the Civic Center. She did those tours in a very special way, she was fantastic to work with."
As City Clerk, Alberta especially enjoyed performing marriages. It is estimated that she married over one thousand couples in her tenure. She made sure each ceremony was beautiful and unique for the couple and kept in contact with many of them through the years. Another love of hers was swearing in new police officers and firefighters; those ceremonies were some of the happiest of her working days. She talked of how heartwarming it was for her to be part of these young men and women start in a life of service and how proud it made her. She taught classes in her role as City Clerk within the EVSC and for Junior Achievement on how the election process worked and government in general. Every year she made sure her office hosted a Christmas party for the children at St. Vincent's daycare, complete with treats and presents.
Alberta was a beautiful singer and won many karaoke contests. She loved Patsy Cline and country music. She recently went on her dream trip with her daughter and granddaughters to the Grand Ole Opry and had a wonderful time listening to the music and visiting the venue. She stated it was one of the best times of her life.
Along with her successful career with the city and county, Alberta was a longtime member of the FOP, where she served as Chaplain for many years. She received the Common Woman Award from the Southwestern Indiana Chapter of the National Organization of Women in 2000, the Governor's Distinguished Service Award for the State of Indiana in 2012, the Lifetime Achievement Award for Vanderburgh County Democratic Party in 2009 and the Albion Fellows Bacon Center Award in 2012. She also received the Key to the city from three former Mayors of Evansville, Russell Lloyd, Frank McDonald Jr. and Jonathon Weinzapfel.
Despite all of her success and achievement during her career, what Alberta loved most was her family. She loved spending time with her grandkids, great-grandkids, family, boyfriend and friends.
In a letter written to Alberta prior to her death, Frank McDonald Jr. said, "Of course, being powerful is a lot like being a lady...if you have to tell them you are, then you probably aren't. You never had to tell people because they knew it was always for the good of others." Alberta will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Alberta is survived by her longtime boyfriend and companion, Billy Smith; daughter, Laura (Matlock) Edwards (Doug); son, Darren Lee Matlock; grandchildren, Alyssa (Edwards) Anderson (Matthew), Jacob Edwards (Jessie), Jason Matlock (Jamie), Kyle Matlock, Daniel Welch, Jenny Hunt and Joe Martin (Jenifer); great-grandchildren, Sophia Anderson, Wyatt Anderson, Hayden Matlock, Tristen Matlock, Ethan, Sean, Carter and Madelyn Martin.
Alberta was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother, Bertha Mae Dame; and by her son, Thomas Eugene Matlock.
A celebration of Alberta's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at Browning Funeral Home, 738 E. Diamond Avenue, Evansville, IN 47711, with Rev. Randy Anderson officiating.
Friends may visit from 1 until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at Browning Funeral Home and again from 10 a.m. until service time on Wednesday.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Fraternal Order of Police PAL Children's Camp, 5417 North Happe Road, Evansville, IN 47720.
Alberta's family would like to thank the wonderful doctors and their staff who took such loving care of her, both before and during her illness; Dr. Roy Defries, Dr. Gardar Gislason and Dr. Sheryl Ziegler.
Condolences may be made online at
www.browningfuneral.com.

Published by Courier Press on May 1, 2016.