Emma Lee Stampley Matthews

Obituary For Emma Lee Stampley Matthews

Emma Lee Stampley Matthews entered life on October 8, 1926, to the late Tomie Stampley and Emily Crosby-Stampley in Jackson, Mississippi. She joined New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church at an early age, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. B.D. Rushing. During her many years of membership in the church, she was an active member of the New Mt. Zion Single Ministry, Senior Ministry and Progressive Matron and the Trustee Board. She was also an active member of the Tougaloo Women’s Fellowship. Her education began in the Jackson Public School System where she graduated as an honor student from Lanier High School. She furthered her education at Mississippi Baptist Hospital College School of Nursing where she graduated in 1947, earning her Nursing Degree. She took courses at Jackson State College and Tougaloo College, later receiving her Master’s Degree in Child Health and Family Planning from Meharry Medical College. She was bestowed with an Honorary Doctorate from Natchez College. She married Cleveland Henderson, Jr. (deceased) and to this union, one son was born, Marvin Louis Henderson. She later married Thomas Mason, until his death and to that union, one daughter was born, Tara Lynne Mason-Quattara, who preceded her in death. In her later years she married Rev. Fred Matthews until his death. Her employment history spanned for many years as a nurse. She desired to use her gift of nursing by supporting her community by becoming active in the Mississippi Action for Progress. Her employment included; Head Start in Hinds County as a Medical Coordinator, a Nurse for Hinds Comprehensive and Tougaloo College as the Administrative Director of Health Service from 1977 until her retirement in 1991. She enjoyed traveling and walking early mornings with her friends until she was no longer able. She continued exercising when she enrolled in the water aerobics classes held at the Baptist Healthplex. She enjoyed the companionship of Mr. George Manning. They spent countless years attending events and social gatherings and when her health began to fail, they enjoyed talking with each other and watching TV on most afternoons. On Tuesday, April 9, 2019, she peacefully slipped away, leaving to cherish her memory is her sister Rosie Bell Jenkins, a loving and devoted son, Marvin Henderson (Mamie) of Ridgeland, MS; son-in-law, Suma Quattara of Atlanta, GA; grand-children, Keith Jones, Ashley McLaughlin (Carroll) both of Jackson, MS, Cheryl Cheeks (LC) of Gainesville, VA, Toya Brown (Kenneth), Marvin Henderson, II, both of Madison, MS, Kristian Sweezer, Mila Quattara, both of Atlanta, GA; five great-grandchildren, Alston Brown, Kennedi Brown, Meghan Cheeks, Lauren Cheeks, Kyler Henderson; and a host of nephews, nieces; great-nephews and nieces, relatives and dear friends. Siblings that preceded her in death, Tommie Stampley, Jr., Beverly A. Stampley, Mary E. Cox, and Otis C. Stampley.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at 10:00 a.m., New Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 140 Maple Street, Jackson, MS 39203 with burial in Garden Memorial Park, 8001 Highway 49 North, Jackson, MS 39209.