Ms. Mattie Pearl Woods Gaskin passed away on January 15, 2013. She was born on September 24, 1948 to the late Andrew “Blue” and Elnora (Gaither) Woods. Although Mattie was the first born of eleven girls and two boys, her motto was, “I am the first born but I am not the oldest”. That is because Mattie had a forever young spirit and a real zest for living life to its fullest. Her father, mother, brother, James “Babyboy” Woods, and live-in aunts, Zola and Lillie Woods preceded her in death.

Mattie was born and raised inCovington,Georgia. She attended school in the Newton County School System and was a member of the R. L. Cousins Class of 1967. Mattie was Miss Senior in that year’s homecoming court. Mattie moved toAtlantaafter graduation where she attendedJohnsonBusinessCollege. In 1968 she started work at First Atlanta, now Wells Fargo. Mattie retired from Wells Fargo in July 2012 after 44 years of service. Mattie also retired from the Atlanta Braves after 42 years.

Mattie joined Gaither’s Chapel U.M.C. at a very early age and served faithfully even during her illness. Mattie also had ties with Poplar Hill A.M.E and Macedonia Missionary Baptist churches. These were churches our grandparents served and we were taught to worship at them all.

Mattie loved to travel! Both friends and family have traveled with Mattie to many destinations. Mattie loved her family and planned “The Woods Family Vacation” every year. All of her nieces and nephews have traveled with her on her expeditions. These were her special children and she spoiled them all. Mattie also took some of her younger cousins on vacation. There were trips to the mountains, beach, Alaska, Hawaiior museums when she had a break in her schedule.

Mattie was a great cook and loved cooking for family, friends and co-workers. Although she had many special dishes, we all loved her famous fried pies. Mattie was always planning Christmas parties or cook outs for family and friends. She loved to entertain! Mattie was a great daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend to many. She was a very free-hearted and giving person that was always there when we (or anyone) needed her!

Left to cherish her memories are: one brother, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew “Joe” (Elaine) Woods; ten sisters, Mr. & Mrs. John Wesley (Thelma) Smith, Mr. & Mrs. Gerald (Barbara) Gaskin, Mr. & Mrs. Tommie (Ether) Benton, Mr. & Mrs. Van (Lucille) McKay, Mr. & Mrs. Johnny (Elnora) Clements, Ms. Sandra Bailey, Ms. Jacquelyn Woods-Hunter, Mr. & Mrs. Rodney (Josephine) Orr, Mr. & Mrs. Gregory (Tawyna Yvette) Bailey, Mr. & Mrs. Thay (Shamette) Humes; Mattie’s Special Children were her nephews and nieces. Nephews, Mr. & Mrs. Myron (Tamica) Gaskin, Lanealius Smith, LaRyant Smith, Mr. & Mrs. Jarvis (Sonya) Woods, Jerrell Woods, Cedric Hunter, Andrew Humes; nieces, Mr. & Mrs. Morris (Teja) Ray, Andrea Woods, Mr. & Mrs. Andre (Ashley) Johnson, Amber Woods, Amanda Humes, Mya Bailey, McKenzey Bailey; great-nephews, Devyn Ray, Deon Ray, Dylan Ray; great-nieces, Kiera Woods, Deja Ray, Adryan Johnson; aunts and uncles, Mr. & Mrs. Bud (Betty) Gaither, Mr. & Mrs. Lucious (Annie) Gaither, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph (Marie) Foster, Mrs. Mamie Kelly; Mrs. Georgia Brown, Mr. Roosevelt Gaither, Mr. Richard Gaither, Mr. & Mrs. Charles (Maxine) Gaither, Mr. Eddie Gaither, Mrs. Elaine Bennett, Mr. & Mrs. Frederick (Carrie) Wyatt and Mr. Walter Gaither.

Special friend, Mr. Lovell “Chuck” Thompson; special cousin, Marie Brown: sisterly friends, Emma Goodman, Regina Martin, Bernice Mitchell, Betty Howard and Shirley Clements; god-mother, Mrs. Dot Grier; god-sister, Penny Grier; god-daughters, Sequoyah Mitchell and Courtney Darby .

Funeral services were held Saturday, January 19, 2013 at Allen Memorial United Methodist Church 803 Whatcoat Street, Oxford, Georgia 30054. Rev. Max Vincent, Pastor; Rev. William H. Gaither, Presiding; Rev. Kenneth Norrington, Eulogist.

Flower Ladies: Class of 1967 Pall Bearers: Class of 1967