Jean Marie Mattice Atkins will celebrate her 80th birthday on November 8 with a birthday reception to be held in her honor from 2 to 4 p.m. at King Hill Christian Church, 5828 King Hill Ave. Family and friends are invited. Cards are welcome, no gifts please.

She was born on November 11, 1929, one of eight children to Ella Rose and John Henry Beckwith in St. Joseph. She graduated from Lafayette High School in 1947 and married Henry Andrew Mattice in June of 1947. They had six children together. Henry died in 1993.

Jean married Eddie Atkins in 2007. They reside in St. Joseph. Jean retired from St. Joseph Tent and Awning Company and enjoyed several years providing home care giving before going into full retirement. She enjoys spending time with family and friends. Her hobbies include sewing, card games and spending time crafting Christmas gifts for her family and friends. She is a member of King Hill Christian Church and during a period of more than 30 years she has been involved in teaching classes, leading Bible studies and the CWF group.

Her children and their spouses are Judy (James) Monaghan, Barbara (Butch) Lanham, Cherie (Chuck) Crockett, Andy (Jeanette) Mattice, Peggy (Carl) Bouge and Ronnie (Sherry) Mattice. She has 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Cards can be mailed to 6010 King Hill, Apt. 303, St. Joseph, MO 64504.