Mattie Lee Smith

Mattie Lee (Ms. Pat Mama & Grandma) all special names to remember one of God’s greatest gifts to us, Mattie was the longest living of 11 children (four brothers and five sisters) to George & MaLindy Jones. Mattie was born on May 20, 1918 in Sulligent, Alabama. At the age of 18, she married Amzie Lovey Smith on November 15, 1936. After several years, they moved to Mississippi. During their 23 1/2 years together they had seven children—James, Ethel, Dave, J.D., Leon, Alice and Ervin. After becoming widowed in 1960 Mattie continued to live in Mississippi until 1977 when she moved to Minnesota with five of her seven children. Mattie was a STRONG TOWER and a present help indeed. She lived and worked hard all her life. Even though she was not a licensed nurse or midwife, she helped birth at least 20 of her grandchildren. She also babysat most of them. She would not hesitate to take a switch to you if you got out of line, which made us better children and grandchildren. She was quiet and easygoing, but had no problem letting you know when you got on her nerves. Mattie was a very special lady to many people and we were blessed to have her in our lives for so, many wonderful years. One of her favorite past times, other than gardening was going fishing with Lula. They also enjoyed many years making quilts by hand. As she reached her twilight years, she often wondered why she was the last one of her siblings to leave and we used to tell her that it was because we loved her so much, that we wanted to keep her forever. The last couple of years she kept saying she was tired and wanted to go and we kept holding on to her, but God heard her voice calling to Him and said “it is time” on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at 12:15 p.m. Although we knew the time was near, we stayed by her bed side day and night, but because she wanted to do it her way, she waited until we were all out of the room doing something else and she slipped quietly away from us. She did it her way. Mattie was preceded in death by Ethel and Leon (Fatboy). She leaves to celebrate her home-going—James/Lula, Dave, J.D (Jake), Alice and Ervin/Michelle. She also leaves 40 grandchildren; 94 great grand, 63 great great grand children, 1 great, great, great grand child and many other relatives and friends. The “good life” is built with good relationships and if this home-going celebration can show us one thing—it is Mattie (Ms. Pat), Mama & Grandma had a good life. We should all hope to be so blessed. Funeral Service 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Monday March 6th at the Spielman Mortuary Chapel. Interment Elmhurst Cemetery.