Mother's Life Journey

Mother Mattie Lee Ervin, 86, "Big Mama" as called by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was the eldest child of Hattie Walker and Matthew Ervin, Jr.; she was born on September 9, 1938, in Waynesboro, GA. She was the first child of the late Matthew Ervin, Sr. and Eliza Brown Ervin, raised as their own and nurtured in a very loving environment.
On Monday, October 15th, Mother received her golden wings and softly conceded to the Will of God at 12:16 p.m. No other options were given, she kept her promise and made her way home to be with the Father in Heaven.
Mother Ervin accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior in year 1990 under the leadership of Rev. Haywood Dock at Thankful Baptist Church; oh, what a glorious day that was, she rejoiced and was glad in it. Attending church and hearing the word of God was her prized moments. She had several favorite ministers, Haywood Dock, was her ultimate favorite, but unfortunately, he preceded her into Glory, next was Rev. Edward Blueford, Jr., then Pastor Anthony Gatson and Ira Hendrix, but now the love she has for the Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is none other than Pastor Ezekiel Grier and First Deborah Lady. Given her love for the Church, she didn't want anything to come between her and the hearing of the Word. Her soul was anchored in the Lord.
She was honored when given the title "Mother of the Church" she took her position with honor and pride to be a servant of God's love and care to others. Along life's journey she gained a great number of Godchildren whom she loved as her very own.
Mother Ervin only stood about 5 feet 2 tall, but she was a little spit fire of a Lady, I nicknamed her, "The Little Lady, and a little lady she was. Knowing to speak her mind no matter what, if she thought it, you knew it, because she was going to tell you, her Motto was "I speak my mind, and I don't bite my tongue," she believed in calling a spade a spade.
At a young age she was the stand-in mother and big sister to her two younger cousins, Willie Mae and Eugene Jones; she helped care and do for them since their mother, her aunt, Isabell was deaf; no greater aunt was known other than her "Aunt Bell," who loved all children, especially her niece's children after they were born. Our aunt Bell was given the honor of naming one of her great nieces, "Bernice" who wears the name as a badge of honor.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Hattie & Matthew, Jr.; her grandparents, Matthew, Sr. & Eliza, six siblings, Daisy Dukes, Patricia & Diane Wilson, Lillie Bell Ervin, Johnny Lee Irvin, and Mike Jones, and her aunt, Isabell Jones.

Our Mother left a legacy of love to her children that will be cherished forever, Evelyn (Wesley) Coleman, Bernice (James) Kirkland, Johnny (Beverly) Irvin, Ronnie (Pamela) Irvin, her siblings, Willie Mae Williams, Eugene (Betty Jean) Jones, Bennie Lewis, Annie J. (Willie) Huston, Jacqueline Jones, Ricky (Patti) Jones, Steve (Sheila) Jones, her grandchildren, Shonda (Marcus) Crawford, Wesley T. Coleman, Stephanie N. Irvin, Damien R. (Shakita) Irvin, Tonya S. (Rashad) Carter, Darion J. B. Irvin; three bonus grandchildren, Toni (Joe) Green, La'Rhonda Lowery, LaKeta (Greg) Jones; her great-grandchildren, Marcus K. Smith (Kayla), Kyran L. Crawford, Keona T. Coleman, Mason L. Irvin, Peyton & Raelyn Carter, and five bonus great-grandchildren; several godchildren, and a multitude of loving cousins and many cherished friends.


Visitation - Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 12 noon -5;00 p.m. at Chavous Johnson Funeral Service, 885 Waters Street, Waynesboro, GA.