Annie "Mattie" Wisner

Annie Madeline “Mattie” Wisner, 83 of Vidalia, La. who passed away Sunday, September 11, 2011 at her residence surrounded by her family after a lengthy illness. A memorial service will be held at Salem Primitive Baptist Church on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 11:00 am with Elder Danny E. Wisner, her grandson officiating. Mattie Wisner was born on February 25, 1928, on a houseboat in Hutchins Landing, the daughter of Nathan Johnson and Annie Bell Johnson. She lived with her parents, five brothers and one sister for approximately 12 years on the houseboat until it sank by waves from a steamboat. Her family then moved to Natchez, living on Silver Street. Mattie was the original queen of dumpster diving before diving before it was “cool.” Her greatest joy that always gave her a thrill and a big smile was going to garage sales and going through other people’s garbage and finding treasures which she loved to show to everyone. She owned and operated number flea markets for more than 45 years in the Miss-Lou area until she retired at the age of 82. She loved meeting people and never met a stranger. She loved to share stories with her family about her wonderful customers and how they would bring food to her. Her favorite was greens and cornbread. Mattie enjoyed gardening. She had a green thumb and could grow anything. She enjoyed fishing with her family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, William Earl Wisner; her parents; one daughter, Irma Jean Tageant; two brothers, David Johnson and Junior Johnson; and one infant sister, Sue Audrey. Survivors include three sons, John Archie Wisner and wife, Dianne, Danny Wisner and wife, Betty all of Vidalia, and Horace E. Wisner of Casper, Wyo.; two daughters, Darline Ferry and husband, David of Kingston, Ms., and Annie Wisner of Vidalia; three brothers, Johnny Johnson of Natchez, Sidney Johnson and wife, Amelia of Vidalia, and Herbert Johnson and wife, Kathy of Ferriday; one sister, Ollie Mae Wilbanks and husband, Zeke of Belle Chase, La.; 16 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Special thanks to her daughter and granddaughter, Darline Ferry and Rebecca Wisner for their dedication and to her loving caregivers. Also thanks to Camellia Hospice, Anna Laura, Kayla, Dr. Sarah Lee and her staff for over 15 years of love and friend ship as well as superb Medical Care. The family will receive friends at Salem Primitive Baptist Church from 9:00 am to 11:00 am Wednesday, September 14, 2011. In lieu of flowers donation could be made to the Natchez Children Home and St. Jude Hospital.

Annie "Mattie" Wisner

February 25, 1928 - September 11, 2011