Madeline Perdue, former wife of the late Frank Perdue and mother of Perdue Farms Chairman Jim Perdue, died in her home Wednesday, December 28. She was 91 years old, reports Delmarva Now.

"She died as she lived, surrounded by her family," Jim Perdue said. "She was a farmgirl, golfer, wife, mother, matriarch, grandmother and great-grandmother who lived a wonderful life and will be missed by all."

Madeline and Frank Perdue were married in 1941 and were married for 35 years. After their divorce, she continued to work for Perdue Farms, working as payroll manager, corporate secretary and a hatchery employee.

She also worked as a girl's basketball coach, golfed and served as the Perdue representative for Salisbury University, her alma mater, for ceremonies for buildings and endowments supported by the company.

She is survived by her children, Sandra Spedden of Salisbury; Anne Oliviero and her husband, Vince, of Cape Elizabeth, Maine; Beverly Jennings and her husband, Ed, of Midlothian, Va.; and Jim Perdue and his wife, Jan, of Berlin. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Source: Delmarva Now