Ms. Mattie Pearl Adams

Mattie Pearl Davis was born April 30, 1927 to the late Thomas Davis and Mattie E. McCoy Davis. She was the oldest of 10 children and was known fondly as “Pearl” by family members. In addition to her parents, welcoming her to Glory are her siblings - Willie Davis, Donald Davis, Emma Ruth Williams, Mildred Hickey, Pauline Hudson and Thomas Davis, Jr. Mattie was educated in the Stuart County, Georgia public school system, and attended college in Albany, Georgia. While in college, she met and married Leondrew Adams (deceased) of Shellman, Georgia. To this union 5 children were born: Hilda, Leondrew Jr. (Duck), Alfonza, Diane and Larry. In 1957, the family moved to Orlando, FL where Mattie worked at Morrison’s Cafeteria. She completed her education at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL and began working at Martin Marietta Corporation in Production Control. She retired in 1988. Having been raised and baptized in the Baptist Church, Mattie eventually became a member of Shiloh Baptist Church, where she served on numerous boards and committees. She also became involved in local and national politics, and in 1964 was appointed Director of the first Democratic Election Headquarters to be placed in Washington Shores. She was instrumental in organizing and rallying support among the Black community for then candidate, President Lyndon B. Johnson. Determined that her children would have a diverse educational and cultural experience, once a month she would take them to different attractions throughout the state of Florida. Mattie loved traveling, reading, solving crossword puzzles, and making ceramics. But her passion was gardening, as evidenced by her beautiful yards. She had the reputation of having “the prettiest yard in the neighborhood,” and one of the prettiest in the city. In addition to her children, Mattie is survived by her sisters - Betty Hickey (James), Brenda Wade (Sammy) and one brother - James R. (Rick) Davis, grandchildren - Kelly, Shannon, Angela, André, Joya, and Brian; 7 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her aunts, Ethel Williams, Nell Jackson, and Marie McCoy as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Ms. Mattie Pearl Adams

April 30, 1927 - March 19, 2018