Mattie Webber's Obituary
Mattie Jane White Caldwell Webber of The Pines, Davidson, NC, died August 30, 2013 at the age of 96. Aunt Mattie will be remembered for the instant smile and easy laughter which she readily shared with everyone. She was born to Mary Bromley and Walter White on Jan. 16, 1917, in Mecklenburg Co., NC, and lived her entire life here serving her family, church and community.
Mattie graduated from Long Creek School in 1934 and began working in the Charlotte Observer business office at the age of 18, retiring 39 years later. In 1942, she became engaged to Baxter Caldwell, Newell, NC, and waited faithfully for his return from service. They were married in 1946 and lived happily together for 29 years before Baxter died. Together they served their community of Newell well, helping individual children and families. The Caldwell Service Station was a meeting place where community needs were aired and often acted upon. This was their way of reaching out to the community and its children; they gave to children as they had none of their own.
As a lifelong member of Back Creek Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, Mattie served as teacher to the young and in many other ways; her constant presence and service will be missed. She was also a longtime member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Newell, serving in every office through her long association with that organization. A beautiful garden of roses was always toured when visiting her home. Her love of community exceeded the love of her roses, but she often joined her interests by bringing bouquets to meetings and different occasions.
In 1983, Mattie married Donald Webber in a ceremony at Back Creek Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. This union of 29 years lighted her life and all who knew them as a couple and shared in their lives. They traveled together, bought a mountain house and shared a cottage at The Pines for 14 years. Mattie is predeceased by Don who passed away on November 8, 2012.
Her life was shared and enjoyed by all who knew her. She will be remembered and missed by her many nieces and nephews on both sides of her families, the Whites, the Caldwells, and by Carl Webber of Matthews, NC, Don's son by a previous marriage. Pallbearers are her nephews Kenneth, Terry, George, William, David and Jimmy White.
Mattie was the surviving member of her family. She was predeceased by her brothers Edgar Wilson White, John Brumley White, Frank Lewis White, Howard Sloan White, Harry Withers White and Paul Reid White. She was indeed the rose amongst the thorns.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Back Creek A.R.P. Church, 1821 Back Creek Church Rd., Charlotte, NC 28213.
Funeral services will be at Back Creek Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church at 11 AM Monday September 2. Visitation will be 10-11 prior in the sanctuary. Interment will follow the service and be at the church cemetery where she will be buried beside Baxter Caldwell.
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family. www.jamesfuneralhomeLKN.com
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