FRANKLINTON - Mabel P. Wilder, 97, died Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009 at Britthaven Nursing Center in Louisburg. Funeral services were Saturday, Feb. 24, at First Baptist Church in Franklinton, with the Rev. Coolidge McCoy presiding. Interment followed in Evergreen Cemetery, Franklinton.

She was the daughter of the late Robert and Dora Perry. She was employed by the Franklinton School System, retiring after 21 years of service. She was a lifelong member of Franklinton Baptist Church where she served in many capacities. The North Carolina Agricultural Extension and North Carolina State University presented her with the Community Service Award for Outstanding Contribution Toward the Development of the Community, Its People, and Resources in Franklin County.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Simpson Wilder; four brothers, Wrenchie, Carlton, Eugene and McKinely Perry; sisters, Juanita Perry, Marie Crudup and Erdine Long.

Surviving: sons, Robert Wilder and Danny Wilder (Helen), both of Franklinton, and John Wilder of Rahway, N.J.; daughter, Carolyn Francis (Robert) of Franklinton; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Arrangements by Cutchins Funeral Home, Franklinton.