Mattie Lee Owens Wilson, 97, formerly of Gates County, N.C., passed away peacefully in Autumn Care of Suffolk on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2015.

Mrs. Wilson was born in Gates County on Dec. 6, 1918, and was the daughter of the late Julian Wood Owens Sr. and Annie Lassiter Owens. In addition to taking care of her children and grandchildren, she sold and delivered fish out of the back of her truck for 20 years and retired from Birdsong Peanut Company after 30 years of employment. She was a member of Savage’s United Methodist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of more than 50 years; Henry G. Wilson Sr., by her daughter, Bertie Lee Matthews; by a daughter-in-law, Alline Wilson; and by a son-in-law, J.C. Matthews.

Surviving are two sons, Henry G. “Son” Wilson Jr., and Jimmy R. Wilson and wife, Shirley, all of Suffolk; four grandsons, two granddaughters, 11 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 29, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main St., Gatesville, N.C., and will be officiated by the Rev. Joseph Buck. The family will receive friends in the funeral home the hour prior to the service. Following the chapel service, she will be buried in the Savage’s U.M.C. Cemetery, and a reception will follow in the church social hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Autumn Care for the excellent care given their loved one while she resided there, and to Compassionate Care Hospice for their service during these last few weeks.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.