Mattie Mae Justice Church, age 86, of Purlear died Saturday, October 18, 2008 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCareCenter in Wilmington.

She was born May 2, 1922 in Pitt County, the daughter of the late Lemual Ezra and Nellie Watkins Justice. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Church. She later married Roscoe Church who is now also deceased.

Surviving are her brother, Henry Justice of Gibsonville; sister, Mary Booterbaugh of Alexandria, Virginia; many nieces and nephews including Bill Pickett and his wife, Janet, of Burgaw and Purlear who took care of Mattie; and special friends, Al and Rosa Paquette of Rocky Point.

Mrs. Church was a member of Lewis Fork Baptist Church and attended Purlear Baptist Church.

Mattie loved her family, friends, community and her animals. To the amazement of her veterinarian Mattie had a beloved dog, Lady, that lived over 26 years and a pet crow named Caroline that lived in her home. Mattie greatly enjoyed having company and loved to show real Southern hospitality ... everyone felt welcomed in Mattie's home. She always had her hair fixed perfectly and was ready to go for any occasion. Mattie will be remembered for her faith in God, warm heart and gentle spirit.

The family will receive friends 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 19,2008, at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, one hour prior to the funeral service.

Funeral service will be at 3:00 p.m. Sunday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel with The Rev. Tony Fontana officiating.

A graveside funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 20, at Lewis Fork Baptist Church Cemetery near Wilkesboro under the direction of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home. The Rev. Sherrill Wellborn will officiate at the graveside service.

Memorial gifts may be given to Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCareCenter, 2222 S. 17th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401; Respite Care of Wilkes, PO Box 2695, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 or Millers Creek First Responders, PO Box 829, Millers Creek, NC 28651.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.