Mattie B Hilliard

Mattie B. Whiting was born October 27, 1910 in Huntsville, Texas to Reverend David Wendell and Hattie Gooden Whiting. Five siblings preceded her in death. At a young age, Mattie B. moved to Houston, Texas with her family. She accepted Christ at Concord Baptist Church located in Studewood community and began a life of Christian service. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School where she earned the honor of Class Valedictorian. Upon graduating from high school, Mattie B. continued her education at Prairie View A&M College. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and graduated as the "ranking" student. She met her late husband, Roby W. Hilliard, Sr. on the campus at Prairie View A&M College. From this marriage, three children were born; Roby Jr., Hattie Pearl and David. Before Mattie B.'s first child was born, she taught elementary school for two years in Calvert, Texas. After the birth of her first child, she became a stay-at- home mom while her husband worked as a professor at Prairie View A&M College. When Mattie B.'s husband accepted a professorship at Texas Southern University in 1950, the family moved to Houston, Texas. It was at Texas Southern University that Mattie B. earned a Master of Counseling and Guidance degree. When her youngest child finished elementary school, she returned to teaching at Turner Elementary School. She was blessed to be able to walk to her job every day, as it was directly across the street from her home. During her lifetime, Mattie B. was affiliated with a variety of civic and community organizations. She was a member of Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ, where she served as an adult Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Teacher, a Servette, a charter member of the Pilgrim Pioneers and was a member of the Choir Committee. Mattie B. was a charter member of the Houston Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc... She also volunteered her time at local nursing homes. In her spare time, she traveled the world visiting all but two continents; played tournament bridge regularly; frequented the Coushatta casinos where she "never lost"; and mastered crossword puzzles. She was known for her great sense of humor, her love for God, and her love of family. On Monday evening, December 15, 2014, Mattie B. heeded the call of her Heavenly Father and transitioned into everlasting life. She leaves to cherish her memory, three children: Roby W. Hilliard, Jr.; Hattie P. Wadlington (Richard); and David W. Hilliard (Macel); her six grandchildren: Melanie Manning (Marcus); Andrea McElroy (Patrick); Tara Taylor (Terrell); Jason Hilliard (Hilary); Justin Hilliard; and Jeffery Hilliard; her eight great grandchildren: Trevor Taylor; Travis Taylor; Morgan Manning; Madison Manning; Isaiah Hilliard; Trenton Taylor; Jared McElroy; Jaelyn Hilliard; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and devoted family friends. Services will be held Tuesday, December 23, 2014, at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ, 3115 Blodgett Street, Houston, TX 77004. A Remembrance Service will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 a.m.. The Interment will take place immediately following the funeral service at Paradise Cemetery North, 10401 West Montgomery Road, Houston, TX 77088. In lieu of plants and floral arrangements, donations to the Hilliard Scholarship Fund at Prairie View A&M University would be appreciated. Checks can be made payable to Prairie View A&M University in honor of Mattie B. Hilliard and sent to Prairie View A&M University, Office of Development, PO Box 519, MS1200, Prairie View, TX. 77446.