Obituary of Mattie L. Butler

~Mattie Lois Butler (Merritt) was born on January 25, 1937 in Marianna, Florida, to the late William and Pandora (Bell) Merritt.  Mattie transitioned to be with the Lord, On April 23, 2017 at Inspira Hospital surrounded by her loving family. 
Mattie graduated from Jackson County High School in June of 1955.  She moved to Bridgeton, NJ in February of 1957. Mattie worked several years at Owens Illinois and as a seamstress at Val Mode Lingerie. In July of 1988, Mattie was hired by the Cumberland County Department of Corrections as a Correction Officer.  She also was employed by the City of Bridgeton as a Crossing Guard.   She retired from the Cumberland County Department of Corrections in January 2002, with 13 years of service. 
Mattie was an active member of Union Baptist Temple since September 1957. She was a dedicated member who sang on the choir, served on the Usher Board, and was an active member of the Missionaries and Sunday School.  Mattie enjoyed spending her time with her family. She enjoyed sewing and making clothes for her children and grandchildren.  The family will especially miss her famous Thanksgiving stuffing. Mattie enjoyed her retirement, she loved to exercise and she visited the gym two to three times a week until her health would not allow.  Mattie was thankful for all the blessings that God had bestowed upon her and her family.  Mattie’s favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. And all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.”
She leaves to cherish her memory  her children: Lori of Bear, DE, Brian and Terri of Bridgeton, NJ; Grandchildren Kameisha, Nicole (Paris Sr.), Kia, Tyrell, and Denzel; great grandchildren Kiaeem, Kamirah, Paris Jr., and Noah; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and her pew partner and dear friend Mrs. Juanita Bowens, two sisters, Naomi Merritt of Marianna, FL and Myrtle Keys of Orlando, FL, three brothers; Benjamin Merritt of San Diego, CA, Shedrick Merritt (Carlean) of Detroit, MI and William Ely of Orlando, FL.  She was predeceased by two brothers; Simeon Merrit and Cecil Ely.