Mattie Nixon
October 27, 1919 - September 11, 2016
Obituary
Mattie Nixon was born October 27, 1919 in Hilly, Louisiana to George and Willie Ann McNeal. Mattie went home to Jesus on Sunday, September 11, 2016 surrounded by her family. She was baptized into Christ as a young adult and lived a Christian life.
Mattie was a beautiful wife for over 43 years to Willie Nixon, wonderful mother and a successful business woman. She owned and operated Adko Cleaners with her husband in Fairbanks, Alaska for nearly 30 years. Mattie received several distinguished awards: Black Pioneers of Fairbanks and Certificate of Appreciation from the Ladies Auxiliary: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
Mattie loved the Lord and was a member of Northern Lights Church of Christ in Fairbanks, Alaska. In recent years she had moved to Seattle to be closer to her family. She was a member of the Holgate Church of Christ. Mattie lived her life with elegance and grace.
Mattie was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Nixon; siblings, Alvester McNeal, Carrie Benton, Jessie McNeal, Reven McNeal, L.D. McNeal and Gladys Heath.
Mattie leaves to cherish her memories her daughter, Cora Nixon, three sisters, Georgia Stowers, Cleaster Lyons, and Harice Phair; brother; Teria McNeal and a host of extended family and devoted friends.
I knew Mattie for 64 years and all I ever heard about her were good things. I know she cleaned the drapes at the Church of Christ several times and never charged anything. I was 10 years old when I first met Mattie. I believe her and Willie were part of the first people in the Fairbanks church. She was always at church Sunday morning and night and on Wednesday night too.
May God bless you Cora.
Aunt Mattie will truly be missed. My family and I will always remember the wonderful times we’ve spent visiting my father, (Teria McNeal) and other family members in Seattle. Aunt Mattie would always have us over for dinner and celebrate life as a family. Last time we were there (April) of this year; she shared with me to continue to raise my boys in a Christian way and to always remember that God is the reason for all things. I will miss her sophistication and grace as an virtuous woman and that beautiful smile. Cora, I love you cousin and will pray that God will strengthen you and know that He is always there today and always. Willie, Gabriel and Jordan send there love and prayers.
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your dear loved one, please accept my condolences during this painful time. Losing a loved one is distressing and as comfort is needed from family and friends, it is my hope your family will find comforting the promise at Isaiah 25:8 where we are assured that soon “death will be swallowed up forever.” It is my hope your family will find the strength to endure during the days ahead.
Mattie (and Willie too) were wonderful Christians. I first met Mattie in 1990 when I moved to Fairbanks and became a member of the Northern Lights church of Christ. She always had kind words to say and as described, was full of grace and elegance. I enjoyed spending Sunday evenings at Mattie’s house when I would spend a few moments with her and Willie as he wasn’t able to visit church due to his health. I always loved her broad smile and look on life. Mattie was always a special lady. Cora, thanks for sharing her with the church family in Fairbanks. She will always hold special memories for me.