Betty Jean Mattox, 80, of Statesville, N.C., died peacefully at her home on February 24, 2024. Betty was born in Statesville, N.C., on February 2, 1944, to the late Rossie Mattox Johnson and Eliger Gaines.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her grandmother, Lilly Mattox, whom she called Mama and raised her; special aunt, Mary Lois Mattox Banks; brothers, Michael Johnson and Marvin Gaines; and sisters, Patsy Johnson and Bobbie Mattox.

Betty is survived by her son, Tyrone Johnson and his wife Kim of Lewisville, N.C.; grandchildren, Torian, Marcus, and Desiree; and great grandchildren. Rayna and Mello. She is also survived by her special niece, Lakya Bolder. In addition, Betty is survived by siblings, Pamela Gaines Smith (Raymond), Diane Gaines Dukes (Robert), Kathy Gaines, Steve Gaines (Faye), Willie Gaines (Ann), Sandford Gaines, Tyrone Gaines, John Johnson, Doris Johnson, Phyllis Johnson and Kay Johnson. Betty was aunt to Maurice Johnson, Rusty Johnson, Wayne Johnson, Rossie Robinson, Sylvia Robinson, Denise Johnson, Wanda Johnson, Michael Johnson, Derrick Johnson, Patrick Johnson, and Eric Johnson, and a host of great nieces and nephews and cousins. In addition to her relatives, Betty leaves behind many special friends.

Betty was truly an angel on Earth. She was a helper and always put the needs of others before herself. Her health struggles were tremendous, but she never complained and lived independently for 15 years after losing both legs, battling breast cancer, and many other medical issues, continuing to care for others and she put them first until the end of her life.

She was a proud 1962 graduate of Morningside School in Statesville, where she was a majorette. Betty worked in the senior care industry in food services. She was the Food Services Director at Statesville Manor and Journey Assisted Living, where she was devoted to the total care of the residents and was so much more than that title. Even the grumpiest residents would find a special place in Betty’s heart, and she would overlook unkind behavior and find a way to connect often with a special pie or teasing. She not only fed them their favorite treats in addition to daily delicious meals but took them on outings to stroll down memory lane or on fun adventures. Many of the family members of special residents she served have continued to stay in touch with Betty, which blessed her life abundantly.

Betty’s faith was strong. If she said she was going to pray for you, she became your warrior. Betty’s gratitude was deep, and if you gave to her, she paid it forward a thousand times over. She did not hold grudges and forgave easily. She was there for anyone that needed support. Her phone rang steadily throughout the day with friends and family not only checking on her but turning to her for her wisdom and guidance. She will be missed by more than can be counted. She is now a guardian angel for so many and will never be forgotten.

The public viewing will be held Friday, March 1, at Rutledge & Bigham, 603 South Center Street, Statesville, N.C. Betty’s funeral will be held on Saturday, March 2, at 11 a.m. at Belmont Cemetery, 2000 Greenbrier Road, Statesville, N.C. The body will lie in state graveside at 10:30 a.m. Officiating will be special friend, Pastor Jane Mitcham.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Iredell Council on Aging, Attn: Jackie Negley, PO Box 344, Statesville, NC 28687. Please specify the donation is in memory of Betty Mattox.

Rutledge & Bigham Funeral Home is serving the family.