Mattie Lee Wigley

Hers was a life well- lived and abounding in love. She gave it unselfishly and it came back to her in large quantities.

Mother was born a fighter. She was the sixth child born to parents already late into their 40’s who lost a 12 year old son during the pregnancy with her. She was born prematurely at home weighing only 2 ½ pounds at birth. They never expected her to live, but live she did and how! It was always with the energy of ten people and never giving into fear or hard ship. She was tiny and beautiful and bright, and loved life. Mother was raised in little sawmill towns all around in Louisiana and East Texas, but lived most of her life in Monroe, LA where she graduated from Ouachita Parish High School in 1937. The next year she married the handsome man she fell in love with at 17. She and Jack Wigley were married 44 years until his death in 1982. They had 2 daughters, Kay and Cathy.

Mother was very talented and a life long learner. She was very outgoing and loved people so was very successful as a salesperson in fine ladies wear shops, and for years as the manager of the China and Gift Dept. at Montgomery Wards. At the same time she was raising two active girls, taking care of her aging parents, and perfecting her skills in so many areas. She was a voracious reader, a very accomplished cook, loved to garden and was an amazing seamstress, making everything she and my sister and I wore. Later in life when we girls were grown and gone, she became a skilled artist and, we all treasure so many beautiful things that she painted and gave us. She became a real good camper and fisherman, even beating my Dad in a Bass fishing competition. She was an energetic Mammaw to her 5 grandchildren, always available to come keep them and get involved in their activities and adventures. After Dad died she traveled all over Europe with Cathy, John and Jennifer when they were living in Italy . She was always fun to take anywhere because she enjoyed every thing to the max. She vacationed with us often in lots of places, and it was always more fun for us too with her along.

Mother and Dad moved to San Angelo to retire in 1982, and became members of First Baptist Church where she loved being active in the Esther Class.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Wigley, her youngest daughter, Catherine Birkner, her parents, all 5 of her brothers and sisters and their spouses, and her grandson Scott Smith.

She is survived by her daughter, Kay Smith and the sons in law that she so loved, Darrell Smith and John Birkner and his wife Betty. She also leaves 4 well loved grandchildren, Becky Smith Oostveen and husband Gary, Greg Smith and wife Kathy, Andrew Smith and Jennifer Birkner Kent and husband Matt. She also loved being part of the lives of the six great grandchildren, Justin and Emily Oostveen , Daylan Smith and Kaydee Smith Holderness and husband Jon, and Alexis and Nathan Kent. She saw the two great-great grandchildren, Cayleb and Ayden Holderness with great joy. She loved being the family matriarch after the deaths of her older siblings, and she so cherished the attentions and love bestowed on her by her nieces and nephews. She went to all the family events joyfully as long as she was able.

We, her family, would like to say a special thanks to the amazing staff at Park Plaza Nursing Center for the excellent care this past year, and to Dr. Vickie Forlano for her loving care all these years. Mother was so blessed by the faithful friendship of Jo Clarke of the First Baptist Church Homebound Ministry Team, and by our caring staff and church family. Thank you, Hospice of San Angelo for your angels, and their care, especially Jean Slaughter who was with us when we lost Cathy, and who saw Mom through it all.

Service will be at 3 P. M., Saturday, November 19, 2011 at Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Mark Bumpus officiating. Burial will follow in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

Remembrances or memorials can be made to Hospice of San Angelo, First Baptist Church Senior Ministries or the charity of your choice.

Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at johnsons-funeralhome.com

Arrangements under the direction of Johnson's Funeral Home, San Angelo, TX.