Mattie Jean Wilson

            “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

                                      “2 Timothy 4:7-8”

        On Saturday, June 6, 2020, at approximately 3:30pm, my rock, my buddy, my friend, and my beloved mother gained her wings. She departed this world at the Lynchburg General Hospital.  Mattie Jean was born on July 7th, 1937 to the late Sophonia E. Miller Smith and John Edward Miller. Mattie was the second oldest of six children and was more than just a big sister but sometimes acted as a second mother. She attended the R.R Moton (Prince Edward) School and later worked as a waitress at Reid’s Cafe and the “Chicken Shack” in Farmville, Va.  She was also known as the High Bridge babysitter for many.  She was married to the late Joe Lewis Wilson and from that union two wonderful daughters were born, Jean Diane “Cricket” Sprague who preceded her in death, and Linda Wilson Scott.

Mattie enjoyed crossword puzzles and people gazing from her front porch in Farmville. She made many friends while living at the Milnwood Village Apartments and enjoyed attending the many Farmville PACE activities.   Mattie had a love of flowers and reminded her daughter often to give her her flowers while she was living.  She was also a collector of T-shirts so if she found out you were going out of town she made sure you didn’t forget to bring her a T-shirt and what material the T-shirt should be made of.

At a young age Mattie accepted Christ in her life and joined the High Bridge Baptist Church where she maintained her active membership. At High Bridge, she was an active member of the Inspirational Choir where she was always called upon to sing “her” song Hold on to God’s Unchanging Hand.  She had her own special way of singing that song and many times got the holy spirit before she finished.  She was also a member of the Missionary Ministry until her health declined. She had a strong faith and regularly attended church services even during times of sickness. 

Mattie loved her family and her weekly visits and calls from her daughter Linda, granddaughter Chante’ and grandson Kameron, who lovingly called her Mattie Jean.  She would always ask about her granddaughter Tamara overseas and enjoyed the facetime calls.  Her eyes would light up when Thomadre’ (TJ) would bring Maliyah by for a visit and always complemented Forrest Jr on his different haircuts.  She adored her songbird Kesha and would constantly call her to see what she was doing and if she could come and take her clothes to the cleaners and pick up the ones that were ready.

Mattie was preceded in death by her brother Joseph Edward Miller and sister Flossie Tripp.  She is survived by her daughter Linda Scott (Forrest), sister, Shirley Jones; brothers, Roy Miller (Elnora) and Jerry Miller (Adeline); Grandchildren, Kesha, Tamara, TJ, Chante’ and Forrest; Great grandchildren, Kameron and Maliyah; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her Church family.

Rest in peace…..my special lady.  You will be missed and always loved!

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