Sandra (McCorkle) Matthews

Sandra McCorkle Matthews, born August 13, 1936, on her family’s farm in Bulloch County, Georgia, passed away peacefully after an extended period of poor health on June 6, 2025. From the Low Country of South Carolina, Sandra’s family relocated to Hardeeville, Sc when she was twelve years old. She graduated from Hardeeville High School, Class of 1954. In high school Sandra was a Beta Club member and a basketball player.  She continued her education at Winthrop University, laying the foundation for a life marked by curiosity, and community.

Sandra had a sharp eye for antiques and delighted in the thrill of the hunt at yard and estate sales. Her enthusiasm for a good bargain was matched only by her passion for civic engagement. An unwavering Republican, she remained active in politics throughout much of her life and inspired others with her commitment to public service.

She was married to the late Nick Nathan Matthews Jr. of Gillisonville, SC, for nearly 25 years. Together, they travelled across most of North America while Nick served in the Navy and later worked for Western Electric (now AT&T), creating a life filled with adventure and love until his passing in March 1982. Sandra spent her early adult years as a devoted homemaker, raising and caring for her four children. Later in life, she began a career with Consumer Credit Counseling Service, a United Way agency, where she helped guide countless individuals and families toward financial stability and responsibility.

Sandra was preceded in death by her husband Nick, her parents Rupert O. and Dorothea Lewis McCorkle of Hardeeville, her brother J. Kenneth McCorkle (Gwen) of Montgomery, AL, her beloved son Nick Nathan Matthews III of Kernersville, NC, and her granddaughter Brittany Matthews.

She is survived by her daughter Julie Matthews Barker (Buddy) of Arlington, Virginia; her daughter Amelia Matthews of Kernersville, North Carolina; and her son Douglas Guerry Matthews (Jessica) of Cherry Grove Beach, South Carolina.

Also surviving are her siblings: Delana McCorkle Tillotson (Beach) of Summerville, South Carolina; Marion McCorkle Finney of Columbia, South Carolina; and “Chester O. ‘Chet’ McCorkle (El) of Garnett, South Carolina and Chiang-Mai, Thailand.

Sandra was deeply proud of her grandchildren, including Nick Ashley Barker of Arlington, Virginia; Cassiopeia Barker Dupree (Jemar) of Alexandria, Virginia; Natasha Matthews Middleton (Shaneaka) of High Point, North Carolina; Stephanie Matthews Lawrence (Isaiah) of Bridgeport, West Virginia; Tabbetha Teague Czarnaski (Matt) of Denver, Colorado; Joey Teague (Tina) of High Point, North Carolina; Blake Teague of Greensboro, North Carolina; Benjamin O'Neil Matthews of Franklin Square, New York; and Anna Grace Matthews of Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

She is also survived by a multitude of beloved great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A memorial service will be held in Kernersville, North Carolina at The Gibson House, 419 S Main Street, Kernersville, North Carolina at 11 AM on June 21st. A graveside service will follow near Sandra’s hometown at Beaver Dam Baptist Church, 4611 Beaver Dam Road, Early Branch, South Carolina at 11 AM on June 23rd. Arrangements are by Vaigneur Funeral Home, 6802 Tillman Road, Ridgeland, SC, 29936, (843) 726-4700. Contact Jeremiah Vaigneur.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winthrop University College of Arts and Sciences, Department of History, in memory of Elmer Thomas Crowson, to support third-year students pursuing careers in history or government.

Sandra will be dearly missed.

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