Mattie Whitehead

Mrs. Mattie Lou Whitehead began this life on September 26, 1922, in Marion, Alabama, a small town in Perry County.  While attending school, she played basketball and ran track. That was one of the things she often talked about, how much she enjoyed playing basketball.

Attending school was very important to her, but going to church was just as important. That was one thing her mother instilled in them, to always go to church.  She confessed Christ at the age of twelve and was baptized at New Hope Baptist Church. She and her siblings became very active in the church. Later, as a teenager, her mother sent her to Gadsden to live with her sister, Roberta Ager, to complete her education at Central Carver High School. She returned to Marion and met the love of her life, Charlie Whithead, Sr. This relationship resulted in a beautiful wedding. On Easter Sunday, May 5, 1942, they were united in holy matrimony.  To this union, nine children were born. One preceded her in death.

They lived in Marion until migrating to Gadsden. Better jobs and more opportunities were their focus. Republic Steel was hiring, and that became the turning point in their lives. She was a devoted wife, mother, and friend. She lived her life with affection, compassion, and love to all who knew her. A woman of character is what she was about. As she lived her life, she made going to church and being active in church her priorities. She united with Bethlehem Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Jolly Turner. She served as a member of the senior choir and missionary society until her health started to fail. She enjoyed singing, cooking, and traveling. She instilled in all her children to have a prayer life, get closer to God, and He will be closer to you. She would tell us, "Never leave Him out of your life. You're going to need Him." As time went on, family was important.  She would say, "Stay close to each other.  Always help each other, if you can." Her household had order, for she ruled with a strong hand.  Remembering the Do's and Dont’s were like a daily chore.  If you got out of line, you quickly found your way back in line, for a repeat performance of being disrespectful wasn't tolerated. She didn't work outside of the home because her work was inside of the home, rearing up eight children who completed and graduated from high school. 

There came the time when all eight of her children had left home to begin their lives. Six of those eight children preceded her in death, Clarence Whitehead,  Elizabeth Turner, Lula McPherson, Mattie Mae Whitehead, Lois Whitehead, Robert Whitehead and James Whitehead, then came the grandchildren to rear. She also reared two grands and one great-grand.  Oh! What a Mighty and Wonderful Woman!

Upon losing her husband on February 22, 1984, her life made a change. Things would never be the same, but life goes on. 

On her 99th birthday, the former mayor of Gadsden Sherman Guyton attended her celebration. It was held at Mission Baptist Church. The Mayor presented her with the golden key to the City of Gadsden and a proclamation.  He then pinned her lapel. It was a beautiful occasion.  For her 101st birthday, she attended the City Council meeting where the street she lives on was changed to her last name.  The celebration was held at her home with a backyard Fish Fry with family and friends.  It, too, was a momentous occasion.  For her 102nd birthday, she told us that she didn't want a party. So, we had a nice quiet celebration at her home singing Happy Birthday as we watched her blow out her candles. Life is Sweet, and is truly what you make of it!

While in the hospital, the nurses from all over the hospital were coming to see this 102 year old woman. They were amazed that she didn't have dementia and knew where she was and also knew her name. They would come and talk to her just to see if she could comprehend. She understood them. Then she looked at me and asked,  "Why are they asking me the same thing?" I told her that they worked in different departments and didn't know they were asking the same thing. She said, "They should write it down!" 

She quietly left this life at UAB St. Vincent's Hospital, Birmingham, Alabama on May 4, 2025 at 5:28 pm. She leaves to cherish her memories, her family. 

In loving memory Mrs. Mattie Lou Whitehead's legacy will be cherished by her family, Sons, Charlie Whithead, Jr., and Minister Anthony Whitehead; Daughter, Bettye Bothwell; Grandchildren, Deborah (Kevin) Underwood,  Felisha Whitehead, Arrica (Djuan) Brown, LaShay Jennings, Latisha (Anthony) Curry, Terrell Keith,  Jamar Jenkins, Hykeem Whitehead, Sada Taylor, Dedrian Blackwell; Great-Grandchildren, Amber Fowler, Zaniyah Taylor, Demetrious Barnum, Dontavious Lucas, and Julian Curry, Jr.; Great Great-Grandchildren, Ariana Fowler, Fred Fowler III, and Dominic Fowler; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

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