THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 10, 1994 TAG: 9407080274
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
Most people probably thought Mattie Hobbs Womble would never retire from her job as chief deputy and bookkeeper at the Suffolk treasurer's office.
Womble said she didn't think about retirement herself until her office began using computers last April. After 25 years, Womble will finally lay down her pencil in September.
``I just didn't want to learn computers,'' said Womble, 79. ``It's too much.''
Womble said she has kept books 60 years, including the 25 in Suffolk.
``I've written around the world at least two times,'' she said. ``My job was to keep track of every penny that came in and went out. And I've never lost a penny.''
She has mixed emotions about retirement. But at her age, it's time to do some of the other things in life that she hasn't gotten around to yet, Womble said.
``Who can live many more good years?'' she asked. ``There's a lot of things to do, and so little time to do them in.''
After she retires, Womble plans to spend time with her children and grandchildren.
``I'm sure they'll keep me busy,'' she said.
And she already has planned her first week of retirement.
``I'm going to sleep,'' she said.
Name: Mattie May Hobbs Womble.
What brought you to Suffolk: An office job at Blair Motor Co., the local Chevrolet dealer at that time.
Hometown: Suffolk.
Birthdate: Oct. 7, 1914.
Nickname: Mat.
Occupation: Chief deputy and bookkeeper for Ronald H. Williams, treasurer for the City of Suffolk.
Marital status: Widowed.
Children: Two.
Favorite movie: ``Gone With the Wind.''
Favorite magazine: ``Southern Living.''
A book you wish everyone would read, why? The Bible. There's something in it for everyone, and there's something that fits every occasion.
Favorite night out on the town: Five of us girls get together and drive over to one of the nearby malls to have dinner and go shopping.
Favorite bar or restaurant: Bunny's.
Favorite food and drink: Steak dinner with all the trimmings and iced tea.
Few people know . . . that I'm a pretty good seamstress.
What's the best thing about yourself? I believe in living by the golden rule.
Worst habit: Procrastination.
First thing in the morning: Get the newspaper and read the headlines.
Pets: I have none. My pet cat died a few years ago at the age of 23.
Hobbies: Sewing, cross stitch and working in my flowers.
Ideal vacation: Visiting with my children and five grandchildren.
Pet peeve: Call waiting and phone mail.
First job: Working at North Carolina State College in Raleigh, N.C.
Worst job: I've liked them all.
What achievements are you most proud of? I have raised two children who have been successful in their chosen careers.
What would you like on your epitaph? ``Dedicated and conscientious.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Mattie Hobbs Womble
by CNB