Mary Ann Bratten, 74

DOVER - Mary Ann Bratten, of Dover, passed away Sunday, May 4, 2008, peacefully at home with her family at her side. She was 74.

She was born April 12, 1934, in Virginia, daughter of the late Samuel and Roxie Collins.

Mary was a very free-spirited woman who loved to laugh and dance.

She also loved to associate with people and was kind and loving to everyone.

Mary dedicated her life to Jehovah in 1968 through baptism and was a faithful and devoted servant every day until her untimely illness.

It was through, and by a host of, daily visitors of family and friends that Mary received that her spiritual love for others became evident.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Elanore Johnson.

She is survived by her loving husband, Pervies E. Bratten of Dover. Mary and Pervies were happily married for over 47 years. It was love at first sight. After Pervies short term in the military and through much courting through the mail, Pervies was able to come home and claim his bride through Holy Matrimony on June 12, 1960. Together they raised four children, Kelsey Baines of Maryland, Cynthia Brooks of Magnolia, Pervies Bratten Jr. of New Castle, and Nevi Bratten of New Castle. Mary is also survived by a sister, Essie Mae Dickerson of Virginia; 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and a multitude of friends and neighbors.

Services will be noon Saturday in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness, State College Road, Dover, where friends may view one hour prior.

Burial will be at Sharon Hills Memorial Park, Dover.

Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home.