Mrs. Mattie Mae Zimmerman passed away peacefully on July 13th at her residence in Santee, SC, at the age of 96.

Born on June 21, 1930, in Santee, South Carolina, Mattie Mae was one of 15 children born to Harmon and Agnes Rhodes. She attended the public schools in Holly Hill, SC. She was a faithful member of Red Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where she served on the Gospel Choir and the Pastor’s Aide committee, and she loved attending Sunday School.

Mattie Mae was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of her life, Willie Zimmerman, Jr., for 64 years until his passing.

She enjoyed sitting on her front porch early in the morning to spend quiet time with God and admire His beautiful creations. She was an avid gardener who loved watching things grow in her beautiful flower garden and her bountiful vegetable garden. Mattie Mae lived a life defined by her unwavering faith and deep love for God and her family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willie Zimmerman, Jr.; one son, Harold Zimmerman; and one daughter, Jeraldean Grays.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories two daughters: Brenda (Michael) Shingler of the home, and Sylvia Fentress of Detroit, MI; and three sons: Marvin (Carol) Zimmerman of Irmo, SC, Verlin (Bridgette) Zimmerman of Decatur, GA, and Kelvin Zimmerman of Elloree, SC.

She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ethel Hill of Boston, MA, and Mary Lou Keitt of Santee, SC; one brother, Carlie Rhodes of Santee, SC; two sisters-in-law, Channie Rhodes of Santee, SC, and Ethel Pelzer of NY; a special niece, Jeanett Lemon of Elloree, SC; a special cousin and church buddy, Rosa L. Bookhart; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Funeral services for Mrs. Mattie Mae Zimmerman, 96, of Santee, SC, will be held 11:00am, Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Red Hill Baptist Church, 3425 Old State Road, Santee, with interment to follow at Memorial Cemetery, Santee.

Public viewing will be held Friday, July 17, 2026, from 1pm-6pm.

Family and friends may call Simmons Funeral Home of Santee.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.simmonsfuneralhome.com