Mary Mattalene McRee Chadwick, 95, of Louisburg, NC, died Sunday, September 22, 2013 at Hospice of Wake County in Raleigh.

She was born June 2, 1918 in Maiden, NC, the youngest daughter of the late David Perry McRee and Alice Harbinson McRee.

She received her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Lenoir Rhyne College in Hickory, NC, where she was a member of the chorus and traveling choir. 

Mattalene’s career as a first and third grade teacher spanned thirty-nine years, spent in Boliva, Wilmington, Beaufort, Smyrna, Townsville, and Louisburg schools.  She had a passion for teaching and a love of children. 

The sunshine in her eyes was her husband, Norman Chadwick.  They were wed on January 27, 1945 and enjoyed their life together for sixty years, until his death in 2005.  Mattalene was known for her lovely, sweet smile and her bright, blue eyes.  She loved, and was greatly loved by, her family.

While living in Carteret County, Mattalene served on the County Library Board and worked with the Board of Elections.  She was devoted to her church in each of the communities where she lived and was always a member of the church choir.  Singing was her passion; music was her joy.

Mattalene is survived by three daughters, Martha C. Hobgood and husband Robert of Louisburg, NC, Carolyn C. Webb and husband Anderson of Greensboro, NC, and Sarah C. Loftin of Louisburg, NC; two grandchildren, Dr. Lacy Chadwick Hobgood and wife Elizabeth of Greenville, NC and Christiana H. Shoopman and husband Thomas of Arlington, VA; two great-grandchildren, Chadwick M. Hobgood and Caroline N. Hobgood; and devoted friend, Ethel Foster.

She was preceded in death by her husband; four sisters, Edith Burchette, Oma Huitt, Violet Robbins and Lela Midgett; and two brothers, David McRee and Craig McRee.

A graveside service will be held at Straits United Methodist Church Friday, September 27 at 2:00 PM.  A service of celebration of her life will be held Saturday, September 28 at 11:00 AM at Louisburg United Methodist Church, with family receiving friends afterward.  Both services will be officiated by Reverend Madison Hankal.

Flowers are welcome or memorial donations may be made to: Straits United Methodist Church, 405 Pelican Harbor Road, Beaufort, NC 28516; Louisburg United Methodist Church, 402 North Main Street, P.O. Box 667, Louisburg, NC 27549; or Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.

Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. of Morehead City. Access online obituary and Internet condolences through www.brooksfuneralhomeandcrematory

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