Feb. 25, 1928 – Sept. 11, 2011

NATCHEZ — Annie Madeline “Mattie” Wisner, 83, of Vidalia, died Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, at her residence after a lengthy illness, surrounded by her family.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. today at Salem Primitive Baptist Church the Rev. Danny E. Wisner, her grandson, officiating.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time today at the church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home in Vidalia.

Mattie Wisner was born Feb. 25, 1928, on a houseboat in Hutchins Landing, the daughter of Nathan Johnson and Annie Bell Johnson. She lived with her parents, five brothers and one sister for approximately 12 years on the houseboat until it sank by waves from a steamboat. Her family then moved to Natchez, living on Silver Street.

Mattie was the original queen of Dumpster diving before it was “cool.” Her greatest joy that always gave her a thrill and a big smile was going to garage sales and going through other people’s garbage and finding treasures which she loved to show to everyone.

She owned and operated a number of flea markets for more than 45 years in the Miss-Lou until she retired at the age of 82. She loved meeting people and never met a stranger. She loved to share stories with her family about her wonderful customers and how they would bring food to her. Her favorite was greens and cornbread.

Mattie enjoyed gardening. She had a green thumb and could grow anything. She also enjoyed fishing with her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, William Earl Wisner; her parents; one daughter, Irma Jean Tageant; two brothers, David Johnson and Junior Johnson; and one infant sister, Sue Audrey.

Survivors include three sons, John Archie Wisner and wife, Dianne, Danny Wisner and wife, Betty, all of Vidalia, and Horace E. Wisner, of Casper, Wyo.; two daughters, Darline Ferry and husband, David, of Kingston in Natchez and Annie Wisner of Vidalia; three brothers, Johnny Johnson of Natchez, Sidney Johnson and wife, Amelia of Vidalia and Herbert Johnson and wife, Kathy, of Ferriday; one sister, Ollie Mae Wilbanks and husband, Zeke, of Belle Chase, La.; 16 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Special thanks to her daughter and granddaughter, Darline and Rebecca Wisner for their dedication and to her loving caregivers. Also thanks to Camellia Hospice, Anna Laura, Kayla, Dr. Sarah Lee and her staff for more than 15 years of love and friendship as well as superb medical care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Natchez Children’s Home and St. Jude Hospital.

Online condolences may be sent to www.youngsfh.com.