Delores "Dee" Matney

Delores “Dee” Jean Matney, 77 years of age, of Concord, passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2023.

Dee was born on March 7, 1945 in Fort Knox, Kentucky. She was the only daughter of the late W.O. “Bill” Simmerman and late Jaunita “Nita” Simmerman. She was preceded in death by her brother William “Jack” Matney.

Dee spent most of her youth in Colonial Heights, Virginia where she graduated high school with the class of 1962. Her life path and career took her to Bentonville, Arkansas where she worked for Wal-Mart. She then moved to Charlotte, NC where she worked for and retired from The Allstate Corporation.

She was passionate about her family, close friends and sewing. Dee was a gifted seamstress and craftswoman who went on to co-start a sewing business called Personalized Gifts by Sunshine Boutique. From adding the final touches to many a brides’ gowns or designing and sewing personalized gifts to making beautiful quilts and window dressings, her talents and gifts will carry her mark and memory for years to come.

She had a big heart and always sought out opportunities to volunteer and help others. Her work with the Prom Project held a special place in her heart. Dee worked with the organization by providing alterations for prom dresses to those less fortunate. She worked to help many young women shine brightly on their prom night. She could also be found regularly visiting several local retirement homes and skilled nursing facilities volunteering to help residents with crafts or to call bingo.

Dee had a strength beyond measure and fought to overcome every adversity placed in her path. She never let her long battle with transverse myelitis get in the way of living an active life. She was always on the go, and eager to bring a smile to all whom she met along the way.

She loved spending time at the beach and she treasured time spent with brothers, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and close friends. They all will remember her for her kind and giving heart, fun-loving positive spirit, courage, laughter, support and encouragement.

Survivors include her brothers, John Simmerman (Margie) of Concord, Alan Simmerman (Susan) of Wilmington and sister-in-law Linda Matney of Charlotte; nephews, Jack Matney, Jr. (Sandy), John Simmerman, Jr., Russ Simmerman (Christy); nieces, Laura Matney Costello (Berk), Angela Simmerman Keer (Tom), Jill Simmerman Lawrence (Brendan); great-nephews, Russell Matney, Ryan Matney, Isaac Wolfe, Hudson Simmerman, Smith Simmerman and great-nieces Brooke Matney, Ellie Matney, Taylor Costello, Chelsea Costello, Morgan Wolfe, and Hadley Simmerman.

Dee will be laid to rest on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at Carolina Memorial Park in Kannapolis, NC. The service will be held at 1pm, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord following a receiving of family and friends at noon.

The family has established a memorial fund in honor of Dee’s valiant fight against cancer. Please make donations in lieu of flowers to the The Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute at https://fundraise.atriumhealthfoundation.org/DeeMatney