Mattie (Zachary) Crawford

Mattie Elizabeth Zachary Crawford, life‑long resident of Highlands, suddenly and peacefully entered eternal rest on Saturday, April 1, 2017.

One of eleven children of Lyman and Dora Zachary, Mattie was born February 22, 1923. She was an exceptional mother to Charles, Betty, and Jimmy and a devoted wife to her late husband James Crawford. Mattie was also preceded in death by a son, Charles Crawford; four brothers, Claude, Carl, Lloyd, and Jim Crawford; and two sisters, Rena James and Bernice Hedden.

Mattie is survived by her daughter, Betty Fisher (Don) of Highlands, NC and a son, James Crawford, Jr. (Kathy) of Lawrenceville, Ga., She was a doting grandmother to Caroline McCown (Neil), Eric Crawford (Cindy), and Ryan Crawford (Jessica); a very special great‑ grandmother to Connor McCown, Charlie, Clark, and baby Quinn Crawford; and four sisters, Mildred Wilson, Ernestine Reed, Lillian Waller, and Lucille Potts.

A fiercely independent individual, Mattie?s priority in life was her family. She loved her home and especially her yard and garden. She was noted for her beautiful dahlias, gladiolas, and nasturtiums, as well as her vegetables which she shared generously. Well into her 80?s, she would spend an entire day raking and blowing leaves and carrying off every stick or branch that fell from the many trees in her manicured yard.

Noted for her hospitality, Mattie readily wanted to share whatever she had. If she knew you, she cared about your well‑being. Always looking to help someone in need, she often took jobs to earn money to give to someone in need. Many locals have been a beneficiary of her generosity, receiving a hundred dollar bill to use as needed.

Mattie loved music, she saw that Betty and Jimmy learned to play the piano, and she especially loved gospel music. She appreciated the churches who provide music at the Eckerd Living Center. Banjo was her favorite instrument.

A Celebration of Mattie's life will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at First Baptist Church of Highlands where she was a member with the Rev. Roy Lowe a childhood neighbor and friend of the family delivering the eulogy. The family will receive friends from 1:00‑ 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers will be Eric Crawford, Ryan Crawford, Morris Reed, Butch Waller, Ronnie Waller, and Donnie Calloway; honorary pallbearers will be Zeb Cabe, William Creswell, Jimmy Lowe, Jody Zachary, Doyle Calloway, Bill Zachary, and Kevin Waller.

Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church of Highlands Building Fund, 220 Main St., Highlands, NC 28741.

Online condolences may be left at bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.

Bryant‑Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Crawford family.