Mattie V. Curtis

Mattie Virginia Curtis was born February 11, 1944 to Odom Tobin and Novia Isaac Austin in Washington, DC. She was affectionately known as Ma, Grandma, and Grandma Mattie. Mattie married John Kelly Curtis Jr. on March 1, 1968. She accepted Christ at an early age. She joined New Bethany Baptist Church in Washington, DC. After relocating to Virginia, she became a member of joined New Hope UCC for several years. She is currently a member of First Baptist Church South Hill under the leadership of Michael Toliver. Mattie was educated in the D.C. Public School system. She also attended the University of New York which led to a career of teaching in the D.C. Public School system. Mattie later went on to work as a charwoman for the United States House of Representatives Cannon House Office Building until she became ill in May 1991. Mattie always worked hard to ensure that her family had all that should/could give. Mattie also worked various other jobs that include vending at the RFK Stadium and the D.C. Armory. Mattie was a special person. She believed in the village theory. She would never see anyone homeless or without. She opened her house up to various family members in order to keep the family together. This was true for her and her husband’s family. The family spirit did not stop there. She adopted other friends as family. The bond continued until the day she was called home. Mattie decided to relocate to Portsmouth, VA in 2001 to be with Kim and her family. Mattie made sure that she bonded with all of her grandchildren. Memories were made that will never be taken for granted. Mattie enjoyed arts and crafts. She made so many crafts for her friends and family that will be forever cherished. Mattie joined the Portsmouth Senior Station in 2005. She made so many friends. She loved the fellowship that was shared there with the people there. Mattie was preceded in death by both parents, her husband, her granddaughter April Turner, her great-grandson Byron Scott Jr. and her sister Evelyn Tobin. Mattie leaves to cherish her wonderful memories Two daughters Johanna “Kim” Curtis-Dancy (Carlton Sr.) and Toni Baxter, two sons John Wayne Curtis (Lorraine) and Jevon Kelly Wilson (Sharnitta), one step-son Darryl Kornegay (Denise), five grandsons Carlton Dancy Jr, Jevon Jeremiah Wilson, Rodney Douglas, Milon High, and Jamaar Parkman, five granddaughters Candace Dancy, Carla Dancy-Scott (Byron), Chauntee Dancy-Reid (Ryan), Lakeshia Curtis, Semaj A. Evans, and Danielle Curtis, six great-grandchildren Vernon Dacent Jr, Cadance Dacent, Za’Naiya Curtis, Sevyn Bond, Tyler Scott, Caira Scott, and Kevin Scott, one sister Dorothy Gray, two brothers Cornell Hightower and Lester Austin Jr. and a host of other friends and relatives.

Mattie V. Curtis

February 11, 1944 - January 24, 2016