EXETER - On September 4th , 2022 Jeanette Ann (Matteson) Black, 73, calmly stepped away from this mortal life as the God she had trusted for so long reclaimed his own. She was surrounded by those that love her, and was without fear for she knew the joy that lay before her. The hard-fought battle with cancer has ended and she is at rest. Jeanette was born on April 5th, 1949, the youngest of five children to Charles E. and Etta M. (Henderson) Matteson of Exeter. She grew up on the family farm and spent her married life in the same small town. She was a strong, wise, and compassionate woman who loved living a quiet life and raising her family in her home town. She caught the eye of a young man at an early age, and eventually Paul convinced her to be his bride. On June 22nd, 1968 they became one and shared an amazing life together. They were blessed with a wonderful daughter, Jennifer Lynn. Summers were often spent swinging on the back deck, planting and enjoying great mounds of flowers, visiting the coast for lobster dinners, and exploring seldom-traveled back roads in our trusty old truck. Winters were a time to relax by a blazing fire as the wind-driven snow swirled. Her bird feeders were always full and she loved watching their comings and goings. However....invading squirrels were not greeted with the same enthusiasm! Jeanette was a hard worker, having spent 34 years as a teaching assistant for SAD 46, later ending her career serving as Town Clerk of Exeter for more than 15 years. She then cared for her older sister and husband until their needs were greater than her abilities. Her true retirement days were too few, but she made the most of everyone and enjoyed each to the fullest. She was a lifelong member of the Exeter Full Gospel Church. She is survived by her husband of 54 years; their daughter Jennifer and her husband, David Palmer; and her older sister, Marion Bennett. There are also countless other family members and friends who have supported our hearts and home with their presence and their prayers. For that, there can never be adequate thanks. May God bless you for your many kindnesses. Friends may call from 5 to 7 P.M. Friday at Crosby & Neal, 117 Main Street, Newport. A funeral service will be held at 11 A.M. Saturday, September 10th at the Exeter Full Gospel Church with the Rev. Chris Faloon officiating. Burial will be at the Exeter Center Cemetery.