Mattie Lou Wexler

Mattie Lou Birdwell Wexler, 91, died at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center on January 4, 2014. Mattie Lou, daughter of the late Mollie Pecktal Birdwell and James Leon Birdwell, lived her entire life at her birthplace on the family farm.

She was a graduate of Sullivan High School in 1941 and was employed by Eastman Kodak for several years. She was a member of First Broad Street United Methodist church where she was a member of the Crusade Sunday School Class and participated in many church activities such as United Methodist Women and the Sounds of Joy choir. Matttie Lou was a faithful member of the Wellmont Holston Valley Volunteer program for 18 years with a total of 7,000 hours of service and recognized with the Celia Ring service award.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Kelsey Wexler in 1984; an infant daughter, Jill Birdwell Wexler in 1959; and her beloved brother, James Faust Birdwell, who died from a tragic swimming accident at age 18.

Mattie Lou is survived by her daughter, Beverly Jo Wexler Grodzicki and her husband, Richard Paul Grodzicki of Atlanta, Georgia; grandson, Joseph Kelsey Grodzicki and wife, Colette; and grandson, Raymond Paul Grodzicki of Atlanta, GA.

A memorial service will be held at First Broad Street United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2014, with Rev. Mickey Rainwater, Dr. J. Spurgeon McCartt, and Dr. John N. Wilson officiating.

There will be a private family burial at East Lawn Memorial Park.

Honorary pallbearers will be John Isenberg, Jimmy Dexter, Bill Price, Hugh Penland, Klyne Lauderback, Fred Himelwright, Joe Morley, Charles Phillips, Dr. Robert Northorp and Terry Wexler.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to the choirs at first Broad Street United Methodist Church, 100 E. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660