Matty McKinney Johnigan

Matty Ruth Davis was born on September 9, 1928, to the parentage of Eddie Davis and Mattie Epps. In Houston, TX. She graduated from Booker T Washington High School. She continued on her journey to a higher education and received her degree from Texas College in Tyler College. She then proceeded to her post graduate work at Texas Southern University in Houston, TX. The fruits from these experiences were careers in Education, Girl’s Basketball Coach, dietician, secretary and enumerator for Polk’s City Director.

She was preceded in death by her father, mother, 2 brothers, a sister and a great-grandson.

She is survived by a daughter, Pamelia Moore, a son, Michael McKinney (Zenobia), a grandson, Cedric McKinney (Ursula), 3 granddaughters, Rhetta Jones (Bruce), Shawnda Tate (Sean), Chevon McKinney, 3 great granddaughters, Jade McKinney, Taylor Tate, Kenadie Tate and 2 great grandsons, Semaj McKinney, Jordan McKinney and a host of nieces and nephews.

She had been a member of St. Paul A. M. E. Church for more than 60 years serving in many capacities voluntarily, appointed and elected as follows: church secretary, church school teacher, class leader (37 years), President of Commission On Membership and Church Growth, President of Evangelism Team (E. Team), Charity Davis WMS, Steward and President of Lay Organization for 25 years. Under her administration as Lay President these ministries were established: Ministry of Seniors both inside and outside of our Zion, Outreach to church and community special needs through our Resource Bank, Visitation Ministry. Support to Sister Lay Organizations (Ministry of Love) and most precious the Ministry of the Incarcerated.

Many honors, rewards, recognitions, certificates and plaques had been bestowed upon her. Briefly, certified as Conference Evangelistic Instructor (CEI) by the Department of Church Growth & Evangelism, certified by Prism Fellow Ministry (aftercare), Laura Dodson Spirit Award from GDD, Lay Person of the Year Connectional Lay Biennial and also GDD Lay and appointed Mother of St. Paul AME/February 2012. She was celebrated in 2018 as the Lay Organization’s Woman of the Year. She was faithful to her calling with thanksgiving, humbleness, everlasting gratitude to a powerful God who can do everything no matter how big or small.