Mattie Shaw

Mattie was born on May 21, 1931 in Raleigh, NC to Edgar and Kathleen Gardner. She was a dedicated Housewife and Mother of ten children. Mattie was steadfast in her walk with Jesus Christ, and devoted her life to serving Him through loving His people. She was a faithful member of Christian Life Church of Long Beach, CA for over 15 years. Many described Mattie as a prayer warrior as she met weekly to pray for the needs of the congregation.

Mattie was an anointed woman of God who witnessed, prayed, and shared God’s word whether she was in the grocery store, bank, or a shopping mall; Mattie blessed the lives of God’s people through prayer. Through her love for prayer, praise, and worship she exuded boldness in her faith and walk with God. Mattie would often quote scriptures such as “I LOVE you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.” Psalm 18:1-3. “He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2. Furthermore, some of Mattie's favorite hymns included: Psalm 23, How Great Thou Art, We Are Standing on Holy Ground, I Stand in Awe of You, Holy is The Lamb, I Come to the Garden, and Hallelujah. Everyone who encountered Mattie's presence commented on her regal spirit, and her radiant smile. Her joy and zest for life would illuminate a room and warm the hearts of those around her.

Mattie was passionate about writing, and has several published works of poetry. She loved cooking, and spending time with family and friends. Of all the holidays in which Mattie celebrated, Christmas and Easter were her favorite. Volunteerism was important to Mattie and she dedicated her time to places such as daycare centers and served as a conduit to families in need. Additionally, Mattie enjoyed shopping and worked in retail stores for a number of years.

She is survived by three siblings: James Gardner, Bernice Duncan, Pauline Williams; eight children: Leauretta Simmons, Patricia Gramling, Larry Gramling, Madeline Rush, David Gramling, Michael Gramling, Angel Shaw and Roylynn Shaw. Mattie had 19 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. Mattie was a great inspiration to her family and friends, and her legacy will live on. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished in our hearts.

The Eternal Hills Memorial and Riverside National Cemetery has been entrusted with the following arrangements. Visitation and Viewing are scheduled for Monday, October 25, 2010 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Memorial Services to honor and celebrate Mattie Shaw's life are scheduled for 10:00 am on October 26, 2010 at Eternal Hills Memorial, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92054, with burial services to follow at Riverside National Cemetery at 1:31 pm.