Frances Tart Matthews

Mrs. Frances Tart Matthews, age 95, of Coats passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at the Senior Citizen Village in Dunn. She was born in Harnett County on September 2, 1930 to the late Hannibal B. (Bud) and Geneva Frances Moore Tart. She is preceded in death by her husband, Grady L. Matthews; Jack Tart, brother; Lindsey B. Tart, brother; Pearl Tart Lumley, sister; Juanita Tart Harris, sister; Johnny Lee Tart, nephew; Margie Tart Pleasant, niece; Joseph Lindsey Tart, Sr., nephew; and Howard Harris, nephew.

On May 11, 1954, Frances and Grady were married. They lived most of their lives on Railroad Street with Grady's adoptive mother, the late Nannie Melissa Matthews. Grady and Frances were members of the Coats Baptist Church and attended as much as their health allowed. Frances began her first public job was at Lillington Garment Factory. Later she and Grady were involved in establishing Terre Hill Manufacturing Company for Coats. Soon afterwards Frances started working with Grady in his Nationwide Insurance office. She assisted many with their insurance needs for over 9 years until they closed.

Frances was known as a wife, daughter, sister, Aunt, caregiver, and friend to many. She was known for her pink and red geraniums that were always seen on the front porch of their home. Frances was a very loyal, strong, grateful, and a kind person to family, friends, and anyone she met. She very much enjoyed and appreciated the Coats Museum. Frances loved and appreciated the volunteers who are preserving the history of the Coats community and families too.

She is survived by Jerry Bruce Tart, nephew; Linda Tart Thompson, niece; Austin Tart Harris, nephew; along with numerous great-nephews, great-nieces, Hannah Tart, Kenneth Ennis, and friends. Thoughts and prayers for family are much appreciated during this time. The family would also like to THANK the entire staff at Senior Citizens Village. Their care and patience given to Frances the past years means so much to the family.

A graveside service will be 11:00AM Monday, February 23, 2026 at Harnett Devotional Gardens in Dunn. Pastor Eddie White will officiate. The family request no flowers instead you are welcome to donate to the Coats Museum or the Coats Baptist Church.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Coats.