Kirby, Mattie P.

December 9, 1901

Mattie Leigh Phillips Kirby was born December 9, 1901 to the parents of L.T. and Edna Moriah Phillips. She married W. Luther Kirby on December 21, 1920. They were happily married for sixty years and the proud parents of Marcedes Oliver, Annie Mae Medlin, Edith Hansley, Merle Kirby, Bobbie Holland and Jackie Flowers.

Mrs. Kirby was a big asset to her husband on the farm. He always bragged to others about how fast and clean she was in her hoeing and how no one could beat her at stringing tobacco.

Christianity has always been a big part of "Miss Mattie's" life. She is a member of the Kenly Free Will Baptist Church where she has taught Sunday School, worked with the League, participated in the Women's Auxiliary where she was given an honorary life membership.

Community involvement has also been an important part of Mrs. Kirby's life. Her philosophy on life has always been to stay busy, be involved, and do for others. Mrs. Kirby can often be seen taking her home grown flowers and homemade apple jacks to her many sick and shut-in friends. She was active in Home Demonstration Club work for forty-five years. She participated in the Johnston County Curb Market for many years as a seller. Some of her most popular items were home cooked collards, chicken salad and apple jacks.

She was a representative for Blue Cross/Blue Shield Insurance Company for twenty years. She is active in the Democratic Party, where she served as vice chairman of the North Beulah Precinct.

When asked how to have a long life, Mrs. Kirby simply says "enjoy it". When asked about a successful marriage and a close family life, she says everyone must learn to give and take. This is what Mrs. Kirby has always done, not only with her family but with everyone.

Anyone who has ever known Mrs. Kirby has heard her say that there were three things she would always be: 1. a Christian 2. a Free Will Baptist 3. a Democrat.