Mattie Doll Mae Garth

Mattie Mae Garth was a woman for whom actions would speak louder than words. The qualities of being fair, just and the ability to recognize what was right were clearly driving forces in Mattie’s life. She was also the kind of person who could respect a “do not disturb” sign, whether it was real or implied. She was analytical and observant, with an ability to be simultaneously spontaneous and keenly perceptive. Mattie was modest in her actions and extremely literal in her thoughts and in the manner in which she communicated with others. When Mattie said something, she meant it. All those who knew her appreciated this trademark quality.

Her parents were Tommie and Mary Garth. Mattie was raised in Panola, Al. Even as a small child, Mattie wanted to understand what was right and what was wrong in any given situation. As Mattie grew older, she realized the importance of being treated fairly, and in return, she treated everyone around her the same way. This belief in fair play served Mattie well throughout her life and despite her natural shyness; she enjoyed a solid group of friends.

During her childhood, family and friends viewed Mattie as a quiet and reserved person with what most would consider a strong personality and a penchant for being outspoken. In fact, she was a fairly curious child who had the ability to entertain herself and didn’t require much in the way of outside stimulation. A great deal of Mattie’s free time was spent learning how and why the things around her worked. She was an active child who loved being outdoors and absorbing all the sensory input that nature could provide. She took part in climbing trees and in her spare time she liked sew and cook. This same loyalty and up front honesty Mattie shared with her friends carried over to other aspects of her life, including her relationships with her family.

Mattie was raised with three siblings that have preceded her in death; Two sisters Alberta and Roberta and one brother Tommie Jr and she has a total of 14 siblings. In addition are Geraldine Burgess (Lithonia, GA), Orangie Garth (Chicago, IL), Charlie Faye Garth (Chicago, IL), K. X. Rashid (Miami, FL), William Garth (Chicago, IL), Robert Garth, Sr. (Chicago, IL), Roosevelt Garth (Gadsden, AL), Jessie Garth (Naperville, IL), Larry Garth (Homewood, IL), Joseph Garth (Chicago, IL) and Richard Garth (Chicago, IL).

Mattie was constantly involved in activities with her siblings. Mattie and her siblings shared many life experiences. As Mattie matured into adulthood, she was easily able to adapt to the changes and challenges of parenthood. Mattie was blessed with three sons; Tommie, Curtis and Kerry. They blessed her with six grandchildren, Rodney, Yolanda, Lori, Curtis Dion, Chauncey and Kiara and one great granddaughter, Daija.

Mattie was a strong, clear communicator who excelled at eliminating confusion by making matters crystal clear to all those involved. At the same time, Mattie’s inventive nature could turn some of the boring old household chores into a fun activity for the family. Mattie loved to laugh and enjoy the lighter sides to life. In her work life, Mattie was the kind of person who had no difficulty in taking on a project and seeing it through to its completion. She excelled at dealing with those pesky details that can derail some people, and once she understood exactly why she was working on a project, she could plow full steam ahead. For Mattie, being able to grasp the logical components of any task was significant to her in appreciating its importance. Even if she worked alone on an assignment, Mattie was able to incorporate and welcome new insights from co-workers, and she would readily use them if they improved the process. Her commitment to excellence caused her to standout however, Mattie always made the effort to be a team player and do what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Mattie’s curious and inquisitive nature influenced her choice of leisure pursuits as well. She applied her strong concentration and analytical skills as to how things worked to her choice of activities. She particularly enjoyed the “alone” time her hobbies provided. Her favorite pursuits were reading the bible and needlework. Mattie was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

As her retirement approached, Mattie viewed the event as just one more project to research and solve. So, when the day finally arrived in 1986, she was well prepared. She relocated to New York State in 1992 and eventually to North Carolina in 2004. In retirement, she found new pleasure in church and religious activities.

Mattie passed away on March 19, 2015 at Durham Regional. She is survived by her children Tommy and Kerry; Grandchildren Rodney, Lori, Curtis Dion, Chauncey and Kiara; Great grand daughter Daija.

Services were held Pending. Mattie was laid to rest in Raleigh Memorial Park in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Mattie strongly believed that talk is cheap. She was the type of person who would show others her feelings through her actions. She was practical and realistic but was able to be flexible when the need arose. She had a curiosity about the things around her and tried to experience life directly rather than sit back and talk about it. The experiences she treasured most were those she shared with her loved ones. Mattie Mae Garth will be greatly missed.