MATTIE ESSEX

VILLA RIDGE, Ill. -- Mattie Essex, 104, of Phoenix, Ariz., formerly of Villa Ridge, died Friday, May 10, 1996, in a Phoenix hospital.

She was born Oct. 3, 1891, in Belknap, daughter of William C. and Laura Parker. She married Henry Essex, who died in 1951.

Essex had lived in Villa Ridge all her life, and was the oldest living member of Shiloh Baptist Church.

Survivors include two sons, Colbia Essex of Villa Ridge, Homer Essex of Ellis Grove; two daughters, Alberta Lemastus of Alton, Naomi Keller of Phoenix; 12 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two daughters, two sons and a stepson.

Funeral service and burial will be today in Phoenix.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Shiloh Church, with the Rev. Larry Miller officiating.

Announcement courtesy of Jones Funeral Home in Villa Ridge.