Mattie Blanche Williams Gregory

Mattie Blanche Williams Gregory, born March 17, 1939, in Dunn, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. The daughter of Michael and Leola Williams and one of ten children, Mattie graduated from Dunn High School, Sacred Heart College, and Campbell University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She taught for 26 years in Wake County Public Schools at Lincoln Heights Elementary and Vance Elementary before retiring in 2000.

A kind, generous, and community-minded woman, Mattie found joy in teaching, gardening, camping, and her church community. She delighted in sharing the fruits of her garden with neighbors and friends. Above all, she cherished her family and created the warm fabric that held them together. She planned countless family celebrations and vacations at Kerr Lake and Emerald Isle. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sidney Earl Gregory, in 2007, as well as her parents and siblings Sue, Mary, Anne, Lucy, Sally, Frances, John, and Martin.

Mattie is survived by her daughter Susan Strickland and husband Jimmy, sons Sidney Gregory and wife Jennifer, and Stephen Gregory. She leaves behind grandchildren Cameron Strickland and wife Ilsa, Aaron Strickland and wife Jessica, Austin Gregory, Ashley Jones and husband William, and her beloved great-granddaughter Mattie Jones, who carried her name. She also leaves her brother Mike, nephew Charles Sherrill and wife Leanne, along with many other cherished family members and friends.

In her later years, Mattie enjoyed quiet days playing dominoes and reminiscing with her brother Mike and friend Debbie, reflecting on a life well lived.