Howard B. Mathews

1940 - 2025

BORN

1940

DIED

2025

Howard Mathews Obituary

Name: Service for Howard B. Mathews
Start: 2025-07-12T15:00:00.000Z
Location: First Baptist Church of New Bern

Howard B. Mathews, Jr., age 84, passed away peacefully in Gainesville, FL, on Friday, April 4, 2025. A beloved father, grandfather, coach, and friend, "Captain Fun" will be remembered for his love of history, deep faith, captivating storytelling, and joyful sense of humor.

Born on May 21, 1940, in Norfolk, VA, to Howard "Tim" and Laura Wood "Dot" Mathews, Howard was raised in Hertford, NC and graduated from Campbell College in Buies Creek, NC. He dedicated over 45 years of his life to education, serving as a history teacher, athletic director, and coach of football, track, and cross country. He began his teaching career in Angier, NC at Angier High School, but spent the majority of his teaching career in New Bern, NC at New Bern Senior High School, where he made an indelible mark during his tenure as a respected mentor and encourager to generations of students, athletes, and fellow teachers.

After retiring, Howard remained active in the New Bern community as a passionate and engaging tour guide in Historic Downtown, bringing the stories of his beloved city to life for visitors from around the country.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a man of deep Christian faith. Howard was married to his beloved wife, Helen, for 59 years until her passing in 2022. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of New Bern, where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher living out his faith in both word and deed.

Howard is preceded in death by his wife, Helen; their son, Andy Mathews; and his parents, Tim and Dot Mathews. He is survived by his children: Clayton (Anne) Mathews of Gainesville, FL, and Susan (William) Oliver of Hastings, NE; as well as his daughter-in-law, Lyn Mathews of Lynchburg, VA. He leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren: Timothy and Mackenzie Mathews, Benjamin and Addison Mathews, and Eleanor, Laura Kate, and Meredith Oliver. He is also survived by his sister, Joann Mathews Hollowell of Norfolk, VA.

A Worship Service Celebrating the Eternal Life of Howard Mathews will be held at First Baptist Church of New Bern on July 12 at 11:00 a.m., with the visitation to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Scholarship Fund, 239 Middle Street, New Bern, NC 28560.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer from Apr. 14 to Apr. 15, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Howard Mathews

5 Entries

Selena (Woolard) House

July 12, 2025

Condolences to the family. I still talk about Coach Matthews, the AP History classes and the long awaited DC field trip. I also had the pleasure of learning from Ms. Matthews in AP English classes. They both made an unforgettable impact on my life and so many others.

Sybil N Chapman

July 5, 2025

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Sending my condolences to the family

Stan Mauney

April 18, 2025

Clayton & Susan . So sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad .He was a great man , teacher ,coach and First Baptist member ! My Dad was pastor at First Baptist from 1960 -1972 and your Dad , Mom and yourselves were faithful members ! I had your Dad for World History my sophomore year at NBHS and loved him as a teacher! My Mom & Dad really liked your Dad & Mom ! May your father be in the arms of our savior! God bless Howard and the family!

Terry Fuhrman

April 18, 2025

Clay and Susan as well as other family members and friends of Howard: Toni and I would like to offer our sincere condolences on this sad occasion. We pray that you may find comfort in the Lord and the so many wonderful memories that you shared with Howard

Many people are undeservedly given the moniker "one of a kind"! In Howard´s case, I am not certain that there is a more apt description. His long teaching career combined with his leadership and direction of the outstanding track/cross-country program at New Bern High were truly remarkable.

On a personal note, I think that what I remember most and recall very fondly are the individual conversations I had with Howard. From my beginning in the mid-1980´s as his Social Studies teaching neighbor in the "C" building at the old high school (a building that Howard once told me "stood only out of habit") to his final years in the mid-2000´s when I served as his Principal, we shared many laughs and stories about our shared interests in American history, sports, and politics.

I would be remiss if I did not mention how much Toni and I enjoyed helping to chaperone the DC trip when our daughter Tori was in Howard´s class. The numerous events and activities were fabulous and clearly the result of many hours of organizational effort by Howard.

I know I echo the thoughts of hundreds of faculty members and thousands of students of NBHS when I assert that Howard Mathews truly made a difference in their lives!

Heather (Baker) Rose

April 17, 2025

It seemed like Coach Mathews would live forever, he was such a legend with a larger-than-life personality. I was not a history person, but I really looked forward to his AP US History classes that everyone loved to take at NBHS. Hearing his stories, soaking up his personality and jokes, feeling his passion for helping us learn from the past was something I looked forward to. He was such a lovable person. We all loved to hear him and his wife talk about each other- you could tell they were a great couple. Thank you, Coach Mathews, for all the great memories, and for giving so much of yourself to us crazy teenagers. Thank you for making a way for everyone to go on the DC trip, since it was known to be epic, and one of the highlights of the high school experience for most of us. May your soul be at peace knowing the difference you´ve made and all the lives you´ve touched.

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