Suzy Matlock

It is with great sadness that we announce that Suzy Barnett Matlock, age 85, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 17, 2025, following a fall and hip fracture. Suzy was born on July 31, 1939, to J.O. and Bessie Barnett of Clovis. During her preschool years, Suzy lived in Port Orchard, Washington where her father was stationed in the United States Navy. She began her education at Eugene Fields Elementary School on 7th Street, where the Clovis Area Transit System is now located. Suzy also attended the original James Bickley Elementary School when it was brand new, and Marshall Junior High. She was a member of the first graduating class from the newly built Clovis High School at 21st & Thornton in 1957. During her high school years, Suzy did bookkeeping for her father's family business, Barnett Oil Company. Suzy then attended the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and also went to secretarial college at Texas Tech in Lubbock, TX. In 1960, Suzy married the love of her life, Monte Matlock, and they were married for nearly 55 years. Following her marriage, she helped Monte farm at Ranchvale for many years. Suzy eventually completed her education at Eastern New Mexico University and obtained her teaching degree. She loved teaching 6th grade and had the opportunity to teach Clovis' 6th graders at Lincoln Jackson Elementary, Barry Elementary, and Mesa Elementary. She remembered ALL of her students! Suzy obtained her Master's degree in education administration and completed her administrator internship at the original Parkview Elementary School and was the school principal at the original Lockwood Elementary School from 1989-1994. She retired from her career in education in 1994. Suzy was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the educator's honor society.
All those privileged to know her feel the void left from her passing, as Suzy had a fun-loving spirit, dry wit, and always made an impact on those around her. She was a native and lifelong resident of Clovis, NM, and her knowledge about Clovis, the Curry County community, and its residents was encyclopedic. She loved to go for drives with her family and observe the changes and progress in her community. Suzy was a lifetime member of Central Baptist Church and loved being a part of Charlie's Angels Sunday school class, as well as her special group of sisters in Christ, "The Bag Ladies", with whom she shared many entertaining monthly luncheons and Christmas parties that ran late into the night. She lived a life that exemplified that it is more blessed to give than to receive and was generous in many ways. Suzy was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother and a beautiful soul who loved to be helpful. Her radiant smile lit up any room she entered. She had an avid interest in politics and enjoyed reading the newspaper, and always stayed current with local, state, and national events. Suzy lived life to the fullest and especially loved spending time with her family and friends. Although Suzy is gone, she will live in our hearts forever.
Preceded in joining the Lord: Father and Mother, J.O. and Bessie Barnett, and her husband, Monte Matlock.
Survived by: son Matt Matlock (Kim), grandson Mason Matlock, granddaughter Makena Matlock Alvarado (Gabriel), sister Gay Simnacher (James), brother Jody Barnet (Patty), sister-in-law Marsha Matlock, nephew Lee Conlin, nephew J.O. Barnett (Mimi), niece Blythe Simonson (David), niece Summer Broome (Brandon), and numerous great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are under the direction of Muffley Funeral Home, 1430 N. Thornton St, Clovis, NM. Visitation will be at Muffley's from 4:00pm-6:00pm on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. A celebration of life will be held at Central Baptist Church, 2501 N Norris St., on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 10:00am. Suzy's final resting place will be at Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens, 1601 E. Llano Estacado, next to her husband, Monte Matlock.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Muffley Funeral Home, www.muffleyfuneralhome.com, (575) 762-4435.