Mattie B. Jones

Mattie B. Jones, daughter of the late Almeta Sanders and Howard Miller, was born June 10, 1930, in Aliceville, Alabama. She went on to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 12, 2023, in her home, surrounded by loved ones.

Mattie received her early education in Birmingham, Alabama. She attended Birmingham’s Parker High School and graduated in 1948. After graduation, she attended business school.

While in high school, Mattie met the love of her life, Oliver Jones, whom she affectionately called ‘Boot.’  Mattie and Oliver eventually moved to Detroit, Michigan, where they married on April 20, 1953. From this union, Mattie and Oliver gave birth to Howard, Olvan, Phyllis, Melvin, and Lisa. While in Detroit, Mattie enjoyed time with friends and family and worked as a machine operator. After some time, Oliver decided to move his family to Delaware. Mattie loved her life in Detroit and preferred to stay there but followed her husband’s lead to start a new, beautiful life in Delaware. Mattie and her family first moved to Dunlieth before eventually settling on 5th Street on the Westside of Wilmington.

Mattie loved her husband and children dearly and was known to be an exceptional homemaker. She took great pride in caring for her family and her home. She was a fantastic cook and always prepared meals for her family made with love and affection. She would even wake early on Sundays to prepare dinner before leaving for church. She was a kind and gentle spirit who valued friendships and family. Mattie was very supportive of loved ones and was always available when needed. She cared for her mother-in-law when she fell ill, acted as a caregiver for her brother Jessie T. Sanders until he passed, and raised her brother Ardean Sanders when her mother passed away. She was always present for her children and encouraged them to be engaged and active. She advocated for her children’s enrichment outside of school and supported them in their studies and other after-school activities.

While living on 5th Street, Mattie loved to sit on her front porch. On many occasions, she would sit there until late as she waited for her husband to come home from work. She also loved traveling back home to Aliceville and to Detroit to visit friends and family. Mattie stayed connected to her loved ones no matter where they lived. She cherished holidays, especially Christmas and Easter. Every holiday, she made delicious meals and her famous sweet potato pies, coconut cake, and German chocolate cake that her husband loved.

Mattie was a devoted member of Shiloh Baptist Church, where she served as a deaconess, choir member and participated in various ministries throughout the years. She remained an active member until her health prevented her to serve. She loved the Lord and always put God first in everything she did.

Mattie spent her early years as a homemaker, occasionally working as a waitress for the Brandywine Country Club. In 1975 Mattie worked as a teacher’s aide, serving special needs children for the Brandywine School District. Mattie retired from the school district on July 1, 1992 after 17 years of service. 

Mattie was loving, kind, and giving. She was a dedicated servant of the Lord, her family, and her community. Her sweet spirit will be missed by all who loved her.

Mattie was preceded in death by her parents Almeta Sanders and Howard Miller, her brothers Jessie T. Sanders and Ardean Sanders, step-brother Willie Brown, her step-sisters Audrey Miller, Marilyn Lucky and Patricia Lucky, and the love of her life Oliver L. Jones.

Mattie leaves to honor and cherish her memory 5 children - Howard Jones (Dannie) of Wilmington, DE, Olvan Jones of Wilmington, DE, Phyllis Johnson (Joseph) of New Castle, DE, Melvin Jones (Melanie) of Parkland, FL, and Lisa Jones of Wilmington, DE, 17 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.