Mattie Lee Higginbotham

                                                                                      REFLECTIONS OF NINETY BLESSED YEARS

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.   2 Corinthians 5:8

Because I could not stop for death, death kindly stopped for me. When that train of death stopped for me after toiling this earth for ninety years, I welcomed my departure from this land because life has been great to me. I was once told that great souls die and sometimes memories fade away, but I am leaving each of you my legacy because God Almighty has set me free. There’s peace and serenity on this train. I took this train because my Master was on board. I knew that the train of death would take me to that land of eternal life.

Mattie Lee Day Higginbotham was born on February 1, 1933, to Mulvin Day and Everlina Mays in Everette, Georgia. She received her formal education at Risley High School in Sterling, Georgia. Mattie Lee Higginbotham accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age and was united with Sheffield United Methodist Church, which later became Haven-Sheffield United Methodist Church, where she served as a member.

Mattie Lee Day was united in holy matrimony with Nathan Higginbotham. Their union was blessed with eight children: Joyce Reynolds, Justine Taylor, Rosetta Townsend, Carletha Lee, Lynn Graham, Leah Higginbotham, Ralph Higginbotham, and Joe Higginbotham.

She was employed by First Baptist Church, Brunswick, Georgia as a housekeeper for over 35 years and was a member of the Eastern Stars. Her beautiful loving spirit attracted others who enjoyed being in her presence. Mattie was a strong-willed individual.

There is an open gate at the end of the road, which each must go alone, and in that light that we cannot see, our loving Father claims his own. Beyond the gate our loved one finds happiness and rest and they will meet other loved ones. Mattie Lee Higginbotham departed this life on July 28, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband, Nathan Higginbotham, and children, Joyce, Justine, Rosetta, Carletha, Ralph, and Joe.

She leaves to cherish her memories: daughters, Lynn (Santonio) Graham of Jacksonville, FL and Leah Higginbotham of Brunswick, GA; seventeen grandchildren, sixty great grandchildren, three great- great grandchildren; three nephews; four nieces; a god daughter, Alvita McWhite and a host of cousins and friends.