Obituary of Mattie Ruth Hathaway

Mrs. Mattie Ruth Hathaway, 97, a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on May 23, 2013. Formerly of Manchester, GA, she had resided in Charlotte, NC since 2007. Mattie Ruth was born in Thomaston, GA, February 15, 1916, to the late Leonard and Ruth Eubanks. During WWII, she was honored to serve as supervisor of a detonator assembly line in Macon, GA. Mattie Ruth and her first husband were owners of Payne's Drive-In Grocery Store in Macon from 1956 to 1960. A member of First Baptist Church, Manchester, GA, she was also a member of Manchester's Woman's Club and the Azalea Garden Club. She enjoyed crocheting afghans to generously share with many lucky people. An avid reader, Mattie Ruth kept up with current events. Known as the family historian, her family was the dearest thing to her heart until her last breath. She kept a daily diary for over 50 years of her family and their activities. Upon moving to Charlotte in 2007, she resided at Atria Merrywood, serving as one of their Ambassadors and as a member of their Library Club. Mattie Ruth is survived by daughter, Marie McBride of Charlotte; granddaughter, Karla Murphy of Charlotte; grandson Whitney McBride of Bentonville, AR; great-grandsons, Ryan and Aaron Murphy and Dillon McBride; several nephews and nieces, and two sister-in-laws. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by husbands, Clarence Herbert Shaw and J.A. Hathaway, four brothers and one sister. The family especially thanks Dr. Shakeer Mahmood, the loving nurses, CNAs, physical therapists and staff at PEAK Resources for their compassionate and tender care. A service celebrating Mattie Ruth's life will be held at First Baptist Church, Manchester, GA, Saturday, June 1, 2013 at 11 AM. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Charlotte, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church, 12 East 2nd St., Manchester, GA 31816.