Carey E. Matthews

Carey Elizabeth Matthews, 90 passed away on January 13, 2026 in her home in Boynton Beach, Florida. She was born as Shirley Jean to Cary Matthews and Elizabeth “Betty” Spatty née Hulse on December 4, 1935 in St. Petersburg, Florida.

She was a maverick. She adapted and changed her life path many times. She had a passion for learning. She was a teacher with an undergraduate and a masters degree in Teaching. She worked in insurance and accounting and owned Matthews Accounting in Boynton Beach. She wrote accounting software, and served on Florida’s first Grand Jury in the 1970’s. She was a glass ceiling breaker and never accepted the word "No" when faced with an opportunity or a challenge. She went on to become a drug and alcohol counselor and worked within the court system. She offered her experience, strength, hope and service for 50 years in the Delray Beach community.

A woman of many passions, she was able to explore them all with her partner, Anne Salter. They traveled the world in style. She was fearless behind the wheel as captain of “The Dulcinea”. Traveling up and down the east coast as well as the lock system in Florida, she shared many stories of her deep respect and love of the ocean. She was also a star gazer and dreamer.

Her true calling was her work as a counselor. She and Anne owned The Center for Self Discovery in Boynton Beach. Their combined work helped countless people find their way in this challenging world. The offered individual, couples, group counseling, workshops and mountain retreats. She will be sorely missed by her community. Many of whom stayed in touch with her til the end of her life. She was font of wisdom with a heart as big as they come. She will be missed.