AHOSKIE – Annie Evelyn Piland Mathias, 90, passed away at her home in Ahoskie on February 18, 2012.

Annie was born in Petty Shore, NC on October 20, 1921 to the late William Steven Piland and Cora Lena Eure Piland.  She was preceded in death by five brothers and five sisters.

She was a devoted wife to the late Thomas Paul Mathias for 72 years.  She was a member of Winton Baptist Church.  Annie was an excellent cook and her family was extremely fortunate to be able to enjoy the meals that she prepared all her life.  She enjoyed working in her garden and loved her roses.

Left to cherish her memory are her three daughters, Marie Mathias Benthall, Betty Mathias and Jeanette Mathias, all of Ahoskie. Annie will be missed greatly by her five grandchildren, Pat Benthall Brown and her husband, Sherwood, of Ahoskie, Darrell Thomas Bracy and his wife, Amy, of Ahoskie, Karen Benthall Daly of Ahoskie, Laura Jeanette Batts and her husband, Mitch, of Ahoskie and Kevin Thomas Mathias and his wife, Holly, of Ahoskie.  She was cherished by seven great grandchildren, Courtney Brown Simpson of Ahoskie, Emily Renee Bracy of Ahoskie, Hunter Thomas Bracy of Ahoskie, Wyatt Walker Daly and Olivia Grace Daly of Ahoskie, Shelton Mitchell Batts II and Annie Laura Batts of Ahoskie and Annabell Faith Mathias of Ahoskie. She was adored by her only great-great grandchild, William Henry Simpson of Ahoskie.

Words are inadequate in describing the love that her family had for her.  We were blessed to have such a wonderful patient woman in our lives and she will be missed greatly.

The family would like to thank Connie Floyd and Dr. Alston for the special care they gave to her.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at the graveside at 2 p.m. on Monday, February 20, 2012 at Highland Memorial Gardens in Ahoskie.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hertford County Relay for Life, 930B Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC, 27834, be sure to specify Hertford/Gates Relay for Life; and Vidant Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 272, Ahoskie, NC, 27910.

Garrett-Jones Funeral Home of Ahoskie is serving the family.

Family and friends may send condolences by visiting www.garrettjonesfh.com.