Mattie Watson

Mattie Lee Jenkins Watson began her journey on earth on November 1, 1928. She was born to the late Ella and Jonas Jenkins in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mattie grew up in Indianapolis, happy and loved. She attended Indianapolis public schools, concluding her education there at Crispus Attucks High School. For 15 years following high school, she managed the household of a prominent Indianapolis family where she grew in responsibility and her talents were honored and appreciated. Her keen attention to detail and eye for beauty were talents that followed her throughout life and were greatly admired by many. She later worked for Sears and Roebuck as a seamstress in the Drapery Department. She worked there for more than 30 years, until her retirement. Her skills there were widely sought after. She was a gifted seamstress who blessed many with her beautiful creations. Her masterful window dressings can still be found in many homes in Indianapolis and beyond. In addition to sewing, Mattie loved to crochet and knit. She also loved to cook and bake.  Her delicious yeast rolls were sought after by anyone ever blessed to eat one.

Well into adulthood, God blessed Mattie with her only child, a beautiful girl who she named Debra. An attentive and watchful mother, Mattie steered Debra through the joys and perils of life, correcting her course when necessary. She was proud and delighted to hand Debra off in marriage to Clarence Aaron Mallard, with whom she developed a very special bond.

In early adulthood Mattie joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church where she worked on many church committees and organizations. Among many other services, she sang in the choir; and she especially enjoyed attending Sunday School. After her retirement from employment, she continued to work tirelessly at Mt Zion until she moved to Stone Mountain, Georgia. After her health began to fail she moved to Stone Mountain to live with Debra and Clarence. Even then, she kept up with friends and church activities at Mt. Zion where she maintained her membership until her passing.

In Stone Mountain Mattie was adored and loved. She enjoyed a good laugh and often shared an “inside joke” with Clarence, only to Debra’s delight. She also loved to travel with Debra and Clarence. Her last vacation was to Daytona Beach, Florida where she had a ball and a lot of good laughs. On May 5, 2022, Mattie gained her wings, off now to eternal life. She was preceded in death by her parents and 12 siblings. She leaves to cherish her memory a devoted daughter and son-in-love, Debra (Clarence Aaron) Mallard, several adoring nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.