Floral Bearers Jean Harris Patricia Ray Mary Ray

Maxine Moore Cindy Richardson

Shirley Lee Terry Brown Kim Brown

Pall Bearers Clifton McLean

William McAuley Jimmy Lawrence Novel Campbell

John Wayne McAuley John Black

Ushers Buffalo Springs MB Church

Acknowledgements Perhaps you sent a lovely card or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you

sent a floral piece, if so, we saw it there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words that any friend could say. Perhaps you were not there at all just thought of us that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts,

we thank you so much, whatever your part. May God continue to bless each of you and keep you in His care.

~The Family

Repass will be served at The Rev. Valonzia McBride

Fellowship Hall~ White Oak MB Church

Professional Services Entrusted To Knotts Funeral Home

719 Wall Street Sanford, North Carolina 27330

Phone: (919) 776-4345 /Fax: (919) 776-0911 www.knottsfuneralhome.com

May I Go? May I go now?

Do you think the time is right? May I say goodbye to pain filled days

and endless lonely nights? I've lived my life and done my best,

an example tried to be. So can I take that step beyond

and set my spirit free? I didn't want to go at first, I fought with all my might.

But something seems to draw me now to a warm and living light. I want to go, I really do.

It's difficult to stay. But I will try as best I can to live just one more day.

To give you time to care for me and share your love and fears. I know you're sad and afraid,

because I see your tears I'll not be far,

I promise that, and hope you'll always know that my spirit will be close to you

wherever you may go Thank you so for loving me.

You know I love you too, that's why it's hard to say goodbye

and end this life with you. So hold me now just one more time

and let me hear you say, because you care so much for me,

you'll let me go today.

We Love You, Margaret, Buddy, Zeke, Doretha, Minnie & Cleo

“Her Siblings”

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Service Tuesday, May 23, 2017 – 2:00 pm

7330 NC-27 Lillington, NC 27546

Dr. Barbara Campbell, Pastor Rev. Barry O. Shoffner – Eulogist

Celebrating The Homegoing of

Sunrise June 17, 1947

~ Sunset

May 19, 2017

Order of Service C. S. Summers, Officiating

Organ Prelude Processional …………………………Clergy & Family Scripture Reading: OLD TESTAMENT ………….Elder Lillie M. Ray NEW TESTAMENT …………Rev. Chris Emonds Prayer of Comfort ……………….Rev. C. S. Summers Remarks (2 min. Please)…………………...Appointees Solo………………………………….Rev. Rodney Fox Acknowledgments & Obituary…..Doris Black-Starkey Selection ……………………….Buffalo Springs Choir Eulogy ………………………...Rev. Barry O. Shoffner Selection ………..……………...Buffalo Springs Choir Prayer of Relief ……………………...Rev. Jason Ruff Recessional

You left behind some broken hearts that loved you so sincere. That never can and never will forget your love and care. No one knows how much we miss you, no one knows the bitter pain we have suffered since we lost you. Life will never be the same. It’s so sweet to know that someday we’ll meet again! We love you

Ruth! Love, Barry, Collins & Corey

Interment White Oak Church Cemetery

Lillington, North Carolina 27546

Obituary I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,

I have kept the faith: 2nd Timothy 4:7

Mattie Ruth Owens Shoffner, the daughter of the late Jerry Owens, Sr. and the late Metres Ray Owens was born June 17, 1947 in Lee County Hospital. She quietly took her Heavenly flight on Friday morning, May 19, 2017 at her home in Sanford, N. C. at the age of 69 years.

She was educated at Johnsonville High School and graduated in 1965. She retired from Coty in 2013.

Everyone knew and loved her for her sweet personality. She would always help everyone she met. She loved her great nephew Ahmeir, just like her own child and would do everything she could for him. That’s the kind of person she was.

She joined and attended White Oak Missionary Baptist Church and served wherever she was needed until she married Rev. Barry O. Shoffner of Buffalo Springs MB Church.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Willa O. Kelly, three brothers, James C. Owens (J.C.), Roosevelt Owens and Jerry Owens, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her sweet memories: a husband, Rev. Barry O. Shoffner, of the home, two sons, Collins Owens of Raleigh, NC, & Corey Shoffner of the home. Four sisters, Margaret O. Dixon (Paul) of St. Albans, NY, Doretha O. Nelson (Larry) of Broadway, NC, Minnie O. Judd (Carlester), & Cleo O. Bryant (Jessie) both of Sanford, NC; two brothers, Isaiah Owens of Westfield Rehabilitation & Health Center, Sanford, NC, & Ezekiel Owens (Annie) of Lillington, NC. She also leaves sisters-in- law, Carolyn Leath & Annette Easterling, brother-in-law, Gary Easterling and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives & friends that she loved very much.

Sunset and evening star and one clear call for me! And may there be

no moaning of the bar, when I put out to sea.