Amelia K Matthews

(Durham, NC) – Amelia Keen Matthews died at Duke Hospital on August 17, 2022 at age 82. She was born January 8, 1940 in Baton Rouge, La. to the late Dr. Richard Clifton Keen and Mrs. Marion Moran Keen.

At Louisiana State University Amelia earned several academic honors and served as president of LSU’s Delta Zeta Sorority chapter. Following graduation, she was a awarded a Fulbright Scholarship which led to study in France at the Université de Montpellier where she earned a master’s degree.

Amelia began her teaching career in Louisiana and Florida. Later she moved to Durham. She taught at Durham School of the Arts and at Durham Academy, where she completed 25 years of service. Primarily a French teacher, she also taught English as a Second Language.

Colleagues and students agreed she was an outstanding teacher with high standards and compassion who was also fun to be with.

Amelia’s services to schools and the broader community included: serving as a host for overseas students in Duke University’s graduate programs; hosting American Field Service students; and serving as faculty representative on two Durham Academy Headmaster Search Committees.

Throughout her life she enjoyed reading, travel, friends and, especially, grandmothering.

Amelia is survived by her husband of 47 years, John, her son, James Clifton Elam (DA ’81) and his wife, Amanda Brickman Elam, and her three grandchildren: John Trevor Elam, Margaret Amelia Elam, and Charles Alexander Elam as well as by her sister, Rachel Keen Hudgins, and numerous other family members.  

Amelia was an organ donor. Her corneas will be used by Miracles In Sight for either transplant or ophthalmic research and training of ophthalmologists.

In accord with her wishes, Amelia has been cremated. A public remembrance service will be held on Saturday, September 10 at 2 pm at Durham Academy Upper School’s Kenan Auditorium, 3601 Ridge Road, Durham, NC, 27705. 

Those wishing to can contribute to the Amelia Matthews Endowment Fund at Durham Academy or an organization of choice.

Amelia’s family is being served by Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, Durham, NC.

Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com – select obituaries.