Mattie H. Patrick was born on August 10, 1939, in Union Springs, Alabama (Bullock County), to Solomon Hough and Ollie Mabel Jones. In 1944, at the tender age of five, her mother, Ollie Mabel, moved the family—Mattie and her late brother, Curtis—to Delray Beach, Florida. They settled in the close-knit community of Frog Alley, a true “village” where relatives, neighbors, and friends looked after one another with love, protection, and unwavering support.

Mattie’s early years were filled with the joy of community, faith, and family. She excelled academically, graduating from Carver High School in 1957 as class salutatorian. Dedicated to lifelong learning, she pursued further education at Bell Iles College, Walker College, and Palm Beach County Vocational School, earning honors and multiple certifications in business communications and shorthand.

With a radiant smile and vibrant personality, Mattie was known for her warmth, laughter, and deep love of fellowship. She lived with a philosophy of excellence—believing that anything worth doing was worth doing well. This principle guided her in family life, her professional career, and her spiritual walk.

For more than 30 years, Mattie served with devotion in the Palm Beach County School System, working as a secretary and administrative assistant at Poinciana Elementary in Boynton Beach, as well as Delray Beach Elementary and Banyan Creek Elementary in Delray Beach.

Beyond her career in education, Mattie gave generously of her time and talents to numerous organizations. She was deeply involved in the Young Men’s Progressive Club, the Delray Community Choir, and most notably, the Alpha Omicron Chapter of Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. As a charter member, she gave 53 years of tireless service, holding elected offices, chairing committees, and mentoring youth through the Bee-ettes program.

In 1980, Mattie also became an integral part of Straghn and Son Tri-City Funeral Home, where she faithfully served for more than 45 years as bookkeeper, personnel manager, and administrator—contributing to the success and continuity of the family-owned business.

Faith was the cornerstone of Mattie’s life. As a lifelong member of Greater Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Delray Beach, she was active in Choir #2, served as advisor of the Youth Choir, organized church souvenir books, and contributed to numerous church committees.

Above all, Mattie’s greatest joy was her family. For over three decades, her famous holiday dinners brought family together in Atlanta, where her potato salad, dressing, mac and cheese, pan-fried cornbread, and sweet iced tea became a cherished highlight of Christmas celebrations.

Mattie leaves to cherish her memory her devoted son, Vincent Patrick (Maria Isabel); grandson, Alex Mercado; her brother, Terone Hough (Annette); nieces Elisa, Ursula, and Courtney; grandnieces Yakira, Deja, Sania, and Jade; grandnephew Andre (Jerrylia); great-grandnephew Sekani; her goddaughter, Shundra Johnson; and a host of cousins, extended family, and dear friends who loved her deeply.