Mother Mattie Bell Jones, a pillar of faith and a devoted servant of Christ, was born on March 17, 1934, which was also St. Patrick’s Day, to Henry and Sophie Witter in South Carolina. She had a twin brother and was the oldest of 15 children. Mattie’s life was defined by her unwavering devotion to her Christian values and her profound love for the Lord.

A devout Christian woman, Mattie walked through life with grace and a spirit of service. Her relationship with Christ was the cornerstone of her existence, guiding her through nine decades of life and inspiring everyone who crossed her path. Those who knew her will remember her not only for her longevity but for the warmth and light she shared through her faith.

During her formative years, though she faced significant barriers, Mattie received a Medical Training Certificate as a Home Health Aid. Mattie attended the Brooklyn Tabernacle Deliverance Center in Brooklyn, NY. She was a faithful member and received countless awards and was a stellar Sunday school student. On March 26, 2019, she was honored during Women’s History Month.

“Ma” as her children would call her, truly loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She would leave Bible pages all over the house, under her mattress, and even in her laundry basket. As the scripture in Joshua 1:8 says, “but thou shalt meditate therein day and night,” Mattie governed her life around this lifestyle.

“Grandma,” as her grandchildren so passionately loved to call her, enjoyed cooking for her family.  She only used recipes as a guide. Grandma made everything from scratch and with love. She was known for her fried chicken, which sometimes never made it out of the cast-iron skillet. Everyone knew it tasted best right out of the skillet, even though this meant you would get popped and/or burned by chicken grease. She was also known for her 3-layer German Chocolate cake. While some of her children requested more pecans, some of her grandchildren would mischievously spit them out.

Mattie has now been reunited with those who went before her in eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert A. Jones; her sons, Dennis and Douglas; her daughter, Claudia; her grandson, Austin; and her parents, Henry and Sophie Witter.

Her legacy of love and faith lives on through her surviving family. She is survived by her sons, Donald (Joyce), David (Carol), and Darren (Shakira); and her daughters, Cheryl Ezelle, Carmen (Derrick) and Carolyn. She also leaves 16 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, extended family members who were blessed by her guidance.

 and a host of family and friends.