FRANKLIN - Mattie S. Patterson, 76, of 1009 Railroad Avenue, Franklin, passed away December 4, 2008 at Southampton Memorial Hospital. A native of Nansemond County, she was the daughter of the late Roscoe and Lillie Moore Shoulders and the widow of Johnnie James Patterson.

Mrs. Shoulders received her Bachelor of Science degree from Elizabeth City State University and retired from the Franklin City School System after 34 years. She was a member of Tabernacle Christian Church of Suffolk.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Tonya Evans (Richard) of Franklin; her son, Albium Sherrard Patterson (Angela) of Germany; two brothers, McKinley Shoulders (Molly) of Richmond and Charlie Shoulders (Gracie) of Aberdeen, MD; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Beulah Patterson and the Rev. Emma Jane Patterson and nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 12, 2008 at Tabernacle Christian Church, officiated by the pastor, the Rev. Dr. Carlton Upton, Sr. Interment will be in Carver Memorial Cemetery. The body will be taken to the church at 11:30 a.m. The family will be at 1009 Railroad Avenue, Franklin and will assemble at 2129 Oregon Avenue, Suffolk on Noon Friday for the procession to the church. Crocker Funeral Home is handling arrangements.