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Mattie was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph McCalvin Beckham, Sr., and Frances Dickerson Beckham, and sister, Norma Lassiter. Known to all as “Mattie Belle,” she lived an enriched and full life. Mattie Belle attended Franklinton High School and Louisburg College. Mattie touched numerous lives in her career as an entrepreneur, first by operating for many years “Hillside Hairstyling,” and later as owner and operator of Kemp’s Dress Shop in Franklinton and Louisburg. Mattie also worked as the office manager at the Cargill Plant in Louisburg. Mattie Belle had a charming personality and never met a stranger whether she was backpacking in Europe, strolling down L’ Avenue des Champs – Élysées in Paris, sky diving in Franklin County or playing the slots in Lake Tahoe. Mattie lived an adventurous life as she truly enjoyed her journey through this world.
Mattie Belle was a long-time member of Perry’s Chapel Baptist Church where for many years she sang in the choir and served as church treasurer. Mattie was the focal point in her vast extended family. Mattie loved being around family and friends, as she often entertained them at her home with pig pickings and Christmas parties. She will be sorely missed by her family and true friends.
Funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 9, at Perry’s Chapel Baptist Church at Mitchner’s Crossroads. The family will receive friends and visitors at the home on 222 Phelps Road, Franklinton at all times.
Mattie Belle is survived by her husband of 53 years, Roy T. Kemp, Sr.; children, Carol K. Piper and husband Thomas E. Piper, Anne K. Puett and husband Michael F. Puett, Roy Thomas Kemp, Jr.; grandchildren, Krista Puett, Ashton Piper, Brooke Kemp, Dallas Puett, and Hunter Kemp. Additionally, she is survived by her sisters, Jo Anne Kearney and husband Alvin, Iris Mettrey and husband Mike, Sonja Beckham and husband Solomon; her brother, Joseph McCalvin Beckham Jr. and wife Connie; and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Mattie Belle was a special gift from God to her family and friends. She faithfully fulfilled her role as wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her family will forever hold her loving spirit within their hearts.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Perry’s Chapel Baptist Church College Scholarship Memorial Fund, 984 Perry’s Chapel Church Road, Franklinton, North Carolina 27525.
Arrangements by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg.
www.stricklandfuneralhome.net
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