Lynne Hartman Matthews

Mrs. Lynne Hartman Matthews died with family at her side at 8:45 p.m. Sept 16, 2014. Lynne was born Nov. 18, 1947, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Stewart and June Hartman. She graduated in 1967 from W.R. Boone High School in Orlando, Fla. where she was in the honors society, crowned Miss Boone and was the cheerleading captain while also involved in academic activities. Lynne studied liberal arts, graduating from the University of Florida in 1970. She is known for her public relations and marketing skills and for her devotion to building communities. Her career of community service began in the early 1970s, with the United Way in Miami, Fla. Lynne had a sincere ability to network, particularly to enlist volunteers and raise money for community programs. She was an important part of the United Way team helping to raise significant and single donations, exceeding their 163,000 goal. Lynne's fun-loving spirit and ability to plan helped organize volunteer groups and assist in programs for youth and the aged. Lynne moved with her husband Leon from Florida to Arkansas where she spent most of her career as marketing director for Doctors Hospital in Little Rock. In that capacity, she helped establish the hospital's reputation as the state's leading hospital for women's services. She managed a devoted staff of marketing and public relations professionals and the hospital's auxiliary program of dedicated volunteers who worked in the hospital's gift shop, patient units, and information desks. One of her staff members, who succeeded her as marketing director, recalls how Lynne made management look easy. "When I stepped into her shoes after she retired, Lynne's brilliance as a manager became clear," said Judy Williams. "She had fine-tuned her skills as a diplomatic and astute leader in the field of healthcare that was rapidly changing. She related well with everyone from the CEO to the Junior League volunteers to the nursing managers, earning respect as an administrator who understood the delicate balance between the bottom line and serving our patients and the community. At the same time, she was able to balance the monthly budget, plan events like Arkansas Women's Health Week, and still make working with her enjoyable. Several from our department formed a girls' night out-group a few years ago to stay in touch. We will miss Lynne and the sunshine she brought to our group." During her retirement, Lynne continued her involvement in community volunteer activities for the Clinton Presidential Center, Race for the Cure, and the Arkansas Respiratory Health Association. In addition to her volunteer work, she is listed as a Chenal Country Club Women's Golf Champion. Golf is a sport she enjoyed since youth. Lynne's favorite place to relax and rejuvenate her mind, body and soul was on the beach in Florida with her family, where fishing and wine sundowners on the Gulf Coast deepened her appreciation for life and nature. Lynne was a beacon of light for all and lived practicing exemplary character everyday. She was deeply connected and devoted to all of her roles - wife, mother, grandmother, friend and sister. She is survived by husband, Leon Matthews; daughter, Britt and granddaughter, Day; two brothers, one sister, a sister-in-law, and a cousin. The family welcomes your presence to honor her life. Rev. Vic Nixon will lead the service in the presence of her ashes at the Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church at 4823 Woodlawn Drive, today, Friday, Sept. 19 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Lynne's name to Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200. Lynne's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.