Mattie Elizabeth Nichols Ray Simpson's Obituary
We were fortunate to have Mattie Elizabeth Nichols Ray Simpson with us for 99 years. Today we celebrate everything that Mattie was. We celebrate the impact she made on our lives. We celebrate her spirit. We celebrate her strength. We celebrate the love that she had for her family and friends. We celebrate the love we had for her. Let's talk about Mattie……She was born on the first day of spring in 1910 at the family home in Union City, TN. She was sister to 10 brothers and sisters. She was the mother of 3 daughters: Lyla, Jeanette and Betty. She was the grandmother to 6—David and Denise, Linda and Bob, Tracy and Kelly. She was the great grandmother and great-great grandmother of many. She was a friend to all who knew her. Mattie was a Christian. She maintained a strong faith in God. She was a member of the Baptist Church. Her strong faith enabled her to endure the death of a step-son and two husbands. She loved church. She loved her church family. She was always inviting people to go to church with her until her health made it difficult to attend. Mattie loved her family, especially her three daughters. That love extended to her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. That loved was returned to her in the later years of Mattie's life as her family took care of her. Betty, Lyla, and Jeannette have cared for Mattie on a daily basis for the past 18 months. Mattie felt comfort and security in the presence of her daughters. Although she was a very strong-willed woman, her love and faith in God and her family gave her comfort and security that no one else could provide. Mattie loved people. She was happiest when around a group of people. Mattie is a figure of unconditional love. Love was the major fabric by which she created her tapestry of life. In the raising of her own children, the teachings of her grandchildren, and how she welcomed in new family and friends. Mattie was a hard-worker. Mattie worked continuously since graduating from the 8th grade, through marriage, and while raising her three daughters. She held responsible positions at General Shoe, McClure's Department Store, and Washington Manufacturing Company. Mattie decided to retire when Gerald retired from the Railroad. But the work would not end there. She and Gerald decided to build a home on the banks of the Tennessee River in Parsons, TN. They lived in a small storage shed while building this home. Mattie and Gerald worked day in and day out on that home, with the help of their daughters and their families, on weekends. Many family memories were made at the home on the Banks of the Tennessee River—weekends with the family, campfires, and fishing. They lived in that home for several years after its completion, but were forced to move back to Nashville as Gerald's health declined. Mattie loved to "go" - it did not matter WHERE you went, but THAT you went. She was always ready to go. If it was just to lunch, that was great. If it was out of town, she would ask WHAT TIME ARE WE LEAVING before she would ask WHERE YOU WERE GOING. She just loved to go -- to see and explore. She went on senior tours in her 60's and 70's and on several trips to the Smoky Mountains with her daughters and even to Florida at age 96. She and Gerald actually "wintered" in Florida right after retirement. They loved the warm winters, and the friends they had in Florida. Mattie loved to play cards. Even at 97, she would want to play Skip-Bo up into the early morning hours—unless you made her go to bed. When Jeanette called, Mattie always wanted to know when she was coming in so they all could play cards. Mattie loved to crochet—if you have known Mattie for any length of time, you probably have something that she crocheted for you—a throw, an arm cover, a dishcloth. Mattie loved to crochet and was always making something for her friends and family. Mattie had a love of flowers and plants. Mattie had a green thumb. She knew how to care for plants, their names, and was the person you brought a plant to that needed nurturing. Mattie loved ice cream. Mattie always loved to have a bowl of ice cream or an ice cream sandwich at night. And she loved for you to eat ice cream with her. She was always offering her friends ice cream. She loved to share with others. There will be a big empty place in our hearts and in our life where Mattie used to be. But Mattie would tell us to shed only happy tears. Go live your lives. Go to Church. Spend time with your family and friends. Travel. Play cards. Plant Flowers. Tend your gardens. Eat ice cream. She would say that she is in heaven, with Momma and Papa, and heaven is beautiful. Funeral services will be on Thursday, August 13, 2009 at Noon in the Chapel of Spring Hill Funeral Home with Dr. Kevin Minchey officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4-8PM. Interment will follow services in Spring Hill Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Christian Manor II, 100 Riviera Dr., Hendersonville, TN 37075.
What’s your fondest memory of Mattie?
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Share a story where Mattie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mattie you’ll never forget.
How did Mattie make you smile?