Mattie Sue Atkinson Hatley

“Beautiful rest for the weary, well deserved rest for the true; -- Hark Angel music so sweet! He giveth to his beloved, beautiful, beautiful sleep” On June 2, 1933, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas Caroline Phifer Jackson and Ad Atkinson welcomed the eight child born to the “Caroline Clan”, a baby girl they named Mattie Sue. Mattie Sue accepted Christ at a young age and united with Christ Temple Holiness USA Church where she was a faithful member until her demise. Mattie Sue was a graduate of Peake High School where she excelled in basketball. She later married and moved to the Okolona Community. In the early 70’s she returned to Arkadelphia and worked for Ouachita Baptist University in custodial services. She retired in 1995. Mattie Sue was an outgoing person and after retirement she found that sitting around in the house just wouldn’t do. She worked for the Area Agency on Aging as a Sr. Companion and later worked as a private sitter and housekeeper. In 1996, she was awarded with the title volunteer of the year. Although she never had any children, she assisted her siblings in raising her nieces and nephews. With her nurturing spirit she took the time to teach the many trades that she had to offer. Cooking, fishing, and baking were just a few of her favorite pastimes. After 74 seasons, on Thursday, April 24, 2008, at the Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock , Arkansas she took flight to her eternal home in heaven. Her parents, her sisters; Ophelia Thomas, Mary Page, Virginia Atkinson, Emma Gray, Annie Mae Atkinson and her brothers; Joe Mays, Sonny Jackson, Robert Jones & Booker T. Jones were awaiting her arrival to welcome her home. The “Caroline Clan” is finally back together again! A caravan nieces, nephews, cousins, and community of friends will forever miss her smile, laughter and love. She also leaves several great-nieces & great-nephews and a special great-great-nephew she affectionately called “Bud”. Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She stretcheth out her hands to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Proverbs 31: Selected Verses Mrs. Hatley will lie in state at Williams Funeral Home on Thursday, May 1, 2008, from 11 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and the family will greet friends and share with them the Images of Life DVD from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A Service of Thanksgiving to God for the life of Mrs. Mattie S. Hatley will be held on Friday, May 2, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary of St. Paul AME Church where Rev. James H Giles, Sr. is the pastor. Rev. Llewellyn E. Terry, Sr., pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church will preach a message of comfort and hope. Bearers of the casket will be Ollie Buckley, David Crockett, Barry Forte, William Harris, Preston Johnson, Jeff Utsey and Joe Charles Williams. The Committal Service & Final Resting Place will be at Ronaoke Cemetery in the Smithton Community of Gurdon, Arkansas.