Mattie Johnson
Mattie Johnson, 106, died on December 29, 2010 at a local health care facility.
She was born on September 30, 1905 at home to the union of Mollie Shibley Robinson and John Henry Robinson. Mattie was one of 10 children - seven girls and three boys. All are deceased except one sister in Cleveland, Oh.
Mattie united with the Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church at seven years of age.
She was united in marriage at an early age to Herman Gorman Sr.; from this union a son, Herman Gorman Jr. Mattie lived in Chicago, Il. for a brief period but after the passing of Herman Sr., she returned to Chattanooga.
At Orchard Knob she served as a Sunday School teacher and was on the church’s Beautifying Guild. She united in marriage to Unell Johnson. During this time a young minister by the name of Harold K. Lester, who at the age of 19 was called to pastor Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church, lived with Mattie and her husband Unell.
She was a longtime employee of the Scott Probasco family, rearing their children. Due to her reputation as a loving, caring, faithful employee, Mattie went on to work for the Franklin Haney family rearing their children. Mattie extensively traveled the world during this employment. She took a leave of absence with the Haneys due to the illness of her husband whom she so faithfully attended until his death in 1996.
She then return to work part-time with the Haneys until the illness and death of her son, Herman Jr., in March, 2000. Mattie continued to live at her own home until her doctor suggested that she move into an assisted living facility.
Survivors include her nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; goddaughter and caregiver, Julia McClain; pastor and godson, Rev. Harold K. Lester; and the Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church family.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 5, at noon at Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Harold K. Lester officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hills Cemetery.
The body will lie in state after noon on Tuesday, Jan. 4, with the family receiving friends from 6–7 p.m. at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, 622-9995.