Frankie “Bernice" Stafford Matlock

Frankie “Bernice" Stafford Matlock died peacefully in her home on June 8, 2026. She was born July 19, 1926, to Raymond and Velma Stafford in Jackson, Tennessee, where she lived all 99 years of her life. Jackson was not only her hometown, but also the place where she built her family, her faith, her friendships, and her legacy.

Bernice married the love of her life, Buford Ray Matlock, on April 12, 1947. Together, they shared 65 beautiful years of marriage and built a loving family with their two daughters, Aletza Spann (Tom) and Melissa Whitaker.

Affectionately called “Bee” by her family, she cherished her role as grandmother to six grandchildren and great-grandmother to 17 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense joy throughout her life.

Through Aletza’s family, Bee was grandmother to Tray Spann (Tracy), along with their children, Zane and Xavier Spann; Blake Spann (Leslie), along with their children, Brayden, Lainey, Tillman, and Emsley Spann; and Lauren Goff (Chad), along with their children, Brantley Anderson, Huxley Goff, and Alexa Goff.

Through Melissa’s family, Bee was grandmother to Kristen Younger (Brian), along with their children, Easton, Liam, and Pierce Younger; Kelley McClure (Alex), along with their children, Elle, Lux, and Maeve McClure; and J. Whitaker (Shelby), along with their children, Henry and Audrey Whitaker. Her 18th great-grandchild, Lucy Whitaker, is expected in October 2026.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Buford; her parents; her sisters, Polly Henley, Dorothy Dennison, Myrtle Lucille Matlock, and Rosemary Moore; and her great-granddaughter, Maeve McClure.

A devout member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Bernice’s faith was the foundation of her life. She worshiped there faithfully for more than 75 years and found great strength, purpose, and community through her church family. Her steadfast faith guided her throughout her life and remained a source of comfort and joy to her until the very end.

Family was at the center of Bernice’s life. She was cherished by those around her and lovingly spoiled by her husband and daughters throughout her life, enjoying every minute of it. Many of her family’s fondest memories were made during their annual beach trips, a tradition she looked forward to each year. She also loved gathering around the card table with family and friends, a pastime she enjoyed throughout her life and one that created many cherished memories with her grandchildren.

Bernice enjoyed reading and discussing books, and she loved to travel, especially when it meant making memories with the people she loved. She and Buford shared a passion for seeing the country and visited all 48 contiguous states together.

Never without her red lipstick, Bernice had a natural sense of style and a gift for appreciating life’s beautiful details. She took pride in looking her best and was often found with a fresh pink manicure and a favorite piece of jewelry. Whether she was getting ready for the day or dressing for a special occasion, she carried herself with grace, femininity, and an appreciation for the finer things in life that those who knew her will never forget.

In keeping with their shared values, Bernice and Buford made the decision together to donate their bodies to the Anatomical Bequest Program at Union University, reflecting their lifelong love of education and their desire to help others.

SERVICE: A celebration of life will be held on what would have been Bernice’s 100th birthday, July 19, 2026, at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the service at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one of the following organizations in honor of Bernice’s life and legacy:

First Cumberland Presbyterian Church

1730 US-45 BYP

Jackson, TN 38305

(731) 664-1632

Memphis Young Life College (TN23)

4428 Cherrydale Road

Memphis, TN 38117

(865) 255-3238

Cody’s Center of Hope, Dedicated Pediatric Care PC

2565 Horizon Lake Dr., Ste. 114

Memphis, TN 38133

(901) 350-2639

Cody’s Center of Hope provides compassionate pediatric care for special needs, medically complex, and underserved children and was especially meaningful to Bernice’s family for the care it provided to her great-granddaughter, Maeve. Donations help support its mission of caring for children and families with dignity and compassion.

Bee’s warmth, grace, joyful spirit, and the love she shared with those closest to her will be remembered for generations. Her family finds comfort in knowing she is reunited with her doting husband and those who went before her, and she will be deeply missed and forever loved.