Barbara Matthis

Barbara Alexander Matthis 91, affectionately known as Bobbie, Barbara, Momps, Grandma, Grand-Bobbie and Cousin peacefully entered eternal rest on October 29, 2025 at her home in Felton, Delaware.

She reunited in heaven with her late beloved husband of 67 years Julius Matthis and her loving daughter, Sharon “Sherri” Matthis Butler.

Born on July 30, 1934 in Newark, New Jersey to the late Andrew and Dell Alexander she was the second oldest of seven children.

She attended Arts High School in Newark where she nurtured her creativity, passions and talents. Barbara was a “Real Hidden Figure”

She was a skilled worker and spent over 20 years at Lockheed Martin Inc., specializing in assembling electronic circuit boards for aircraft used by both military and business systems. She later continued her career at Johnson and Johnson, where she worked on a team to help develop the first human heart stent.

She was also a master in the kitchen known by “framily” to cook up delicious meals. She was the “Queen of Desserts”.

A self taught seamstress and designer, she made custom clothing for clients and friends and created decorative accents for the interiors of many. She found joy and peace in planting flowers, a passion that brought beauty to her immaculately kept home. There was not a task that Barbara wouldn’t tackle and achieve successfully, many of which she had the assistance of her loving husband Julius.

After retirement, Barbara became a dedicated and active member of the Elegant Ebony Women Red Hat Society for over 20 years. She truly enjoyed this sisterhood often, opening her home to host book club, meetings, and lunch while wearing their signature, red hats and purple clothing. Barbara had a gift for storytelling and a wonderful sense of humor; her funny stories will always be remembered.

Her life mantra was to get it done right and have no excuses!! She was predeceased by all of her siblings Dorothy Wilson, Grace, Andrew, James, Richard and William Alexander and special cousin Waltin Young.

Barbara is survived by her son Gary “Raj” (Gloria); granddaughters Janelle Butler Anderson (Terrance), and Luandra Flowers (Brandon); three great-grandchildren Devon, Neah, and Ludranie; one great, great granddaughter, Aria; additionally, best friend Meade Deveaux and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends all of whom will miss her dearly.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made in Barbara's name to Pancreatic Cancer Research – LustGarten. Donations may be made at https://www.lustgarten.org

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Matthis, please visit our floral store.