Mrs. Mattlyn Gilyard Henley was born in Adel, GA on October 2, 1934 to the late Joseph and Virginia Gilyard. She was educated in the Cook County School system. She worked in the Culinary System of Cook County for many years. She joined Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church at a very young age.

After relocating to Quitman, GA, she joined Beulah Missionary Baptist Church and was a member of the senior choir. She was a loyal and devoted member for many years. Later she joined Global Christian Church where she become the Mother of the church.

Mrs. Henley attended a Senior Nurse Aide Training program and graduated with a certificate of completion.

She was a lifetime member of OES Eastern Star Pansy Chapter #119 in Adel, GA

Mattlyn was the sister to seven siblings. Six of them departed before her; Joseph Gilyard, Josephine Washington, Queen Robinson, Doris Scott, Bill Gilyard, and Virginia Scott.

She met and married the late Mr. Alfred Henley in 1951. This union produced nine children. One preceded her to Glory; Sandra D. Riley.

Mother Mattlyn Gilyard Henley leaves to cherish her memories forever; Leroy Henley of Dallas, GA, Selena (Frank) Bryant, Almetta (Rev Dr. Alvin) Bunch of Columbus, GA, Deacon Michael Henley of Valdosta, GA, Vera (Ronald) Causey of Mableton, GA, Sarahphina Linton of Valdosta, GA, Ronnie (Tonya) Henley of Valdosta, GA, Bonnie Henley of Valdosta, GA; sixteen grandchildren, Lisa Warren, Carnegee Simmons, Stacy (Elvernie) McGhee, Tanya (Diron) Harris, Adalia Harrell, Frank (Shonda) Bryant Jr., Monica Henley (deceased), Levert (Renika) Zackery, April Hunter, Chelsea Linton, Ronald Causey III, Andria (Troy) Brown, Shakeela Linton, LaRhonda (Ash) Shields, Damarcus (Amanda) Henley, & Deslyn Bunch; thirty-six great grands; five great-great grands; one brother, Henry Calvin (Julia) Gilyard of Premberton, NJ; a host of several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends; also daughters of Mr. Eddie "AD" Williams whom she loved like her own children; and one extra special friend, Jacqueline Harper.

Visitation will be Friday, August 23, 2024 at the Stevens-McGhee chapel from 4PM-7PM.

A celebration of life will be Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 10AM at Beulah MB Church with Dr. Dewayne Gavin, officiating. Burial will follow in North End Cemetery. Visit this website or our Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home Facebook page to view a livestream of the celebration.

Continue to pray along with the Henley Family during this time.