51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ

PLAINVIEW, TX — 51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ Baptist University mourns the passing of Camella June Mattox, the institution’s first campus nurse.

A longtime friend and supporter of the university, Mrs. Mattox died March 28, 2026, in Houston at age 89.

Mrs. Mattox served 51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ during its early years as a college nurse, providing care and compassion to students at a time when campus health services were still developing. She is remembered for her attentive care for students, including those isolated due to illness, and for the quiet strength that defined her work.

“June Mattox represents the very best of 51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ’s legacy of care and calling,” said Mike Hammack, Vice President of Advancement. “Her life, and the legacy she shared with Dr. Mattox, reflects a deep commitment to serving others. We are grateful for the lasting impact she has had on 51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ.”

It was during her time at 51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ that she met her future husband, Dr. Kenneth Mattox, then a pre-med student. The couple married in 1959, beginning a lifelong partnership marked by service, leadership, and generosity. In recognition of Dr. Mattox’s distinguished career and the family’s support of the university, 51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ’s Kenneth L. Mattox Laboratory Sciences Building bears his name.

Born Aug. 10, 1936, in Sweetwater, Okla., Mrs. Mattox was the daughter of Howard and Esther Dickey. She graduated in 1957 from Oklahoma Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in Oklahoma City. She began her nursing career shortly thereafter. She later served as head nurse of the pediatric oncology ward at MD Anderson during a pivotal time in childhood cancer research.

After starting a family, Mattox devoted herself to raising her daughter, Kimberly, while continuing to serve others through volunteer work and ministry. She was active in numerous organizations, including Girl Scouts, the AFS Exchange Program, and ministries at South Main Baptist Church in Houston, where she supported families whose loved ones were undergoing medical treatment. Those who knew her remember her for her servant’s heart, quiet compassion, and unwavering commitment to caring for others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Esther Dickey.

Mrs. Mattox is survived by her husband, Dr. Kenneth Mattox; her daughter, Kimberly Renae Toth and husband Dan Toth; her grandchildren Charlie, Alex (Reaghan Toth), Kelsey, Jorge, Mikey, Mariah, and Clara June Toth; and her sister, Eleanor Meares of Shamrock.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be announced later.