Mattie B Nelson departed this world to be with our Heavenly Father on Monday, March 23, 2026. She was born, Mattie B Robinson, to Ethel (Smith) and Frank Robinson in Sherrill, Arkansas (Jefferson County/Pine Bluff area) on July 27, 1929. Mattie was delivered by a midwife, JoAnna Cross, who was also her paternal grandmother. Mattie was the third eldest of thirteen children.

On January 2, 1947, Mattie married Llewellyn Eugene Nelson in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. They later moved to Youngstown, Ohio where they planted their roots and started a family. Mattie was a stay-at-home wife and mother to their four children until their youngest child started attending school. She then worked as a household manager for several decades for a major Youngstown philanthropist until she retired.

Mattie accepted Christ at an early age. In Youngstown she became a faithful member of Tabernacle Baptist Church. She served on several committees such as, the Mother Board, Usher Board, Hospitality Ministry, Senior Citizens Dinner and as a Deaconess.

Mattie was a superb cook. Everything she prepared was delicious. Her candied yams, cornbread dressing, potato salad and sweet potato pies were known favorites. She enjoyed cooking for her family. She also kept an immaculate home. Everything always had to be clean, neat and in its proper place.

Mattie also loved playing Pokeno and Bingo. In her later years she found enjoyment in watching the television series House of Payne and some of her favorite movies, The Fugitive, The Green Mile, Shawshank Redemption and Life.

Her family was the most important thing in her life, and she worked hard every day to ensure that they had what they needed and had a better quality of life than her own. She leaves to cherish her memory, her son Llewellyn James Nelson (Tanya), Youngstown, Ohio, daughter Brenda Nelson, Kansas City, Missouri and son Bruce Nelson (Karen) Spring, Texas.

Mattie leaves to carry on her legacy, sisters Willie Bee Wilson, Michigan; Eddie Jean Robinson, Georgia; and Bettie Golden (Johnny), Florida; best friend, Della Harris, twelve grandchildren, eleven great-grand-children, along with a score of nephews, nieces and friends.

Mattie’s husband, Llewellyn E. Nelson, and daughter, Denise O. Nelson-Gibbs; siblings, Rosie Bee Walker, James (Jimmy), Elijah (E.C.), Alberta Davis, Sammie Lee, Walter Lee, Joe Andrew, Delores Plater and Ethel Mae Jackson, all preceded her in death.

Mattie’s journey was one of resilience and strength, reflecting a life lived in service to others. She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and unwavering loyalty.

To honor Mattie’s life and memory, a memorial service will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the chapel of Tod Homestead Cemetery, 2200 Belmont Ave with Rev. Lewis W. Macklin II officiating. After the committal ceremony, Mattie will be laid to rest upon the meadows of the burial park.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Mattie B Nelson elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500.