Mattie Caraway Funeral Program

T HE P ORTRAIT OF L IFE AND H OME G OING C ELEBRATION F OR Mai Bernic Caraway February 1, 1929—March 24, 2023 Tuesday, April 4, 2023 11:00AM Tu Le Missionary Baptis Church 3907 Bertrand Avenue | Dallas, Texas 75210 Pastor Millard Parish, Officiating Minister Pastor Donald R. Parish Sr., Eulogist

S Sassy….

Ye S Classy

As we celebrate the life and legacy of Mattie Beatrice Mathis Caraway, we pause to recall some very cherished memories. Mattie was the third child of twelve children born to the parentage of the late Curtis Sr., and Evie Bell Mathis, in Palmer, Texas. She attended schools in the Dallas Independent School District, graduating from Lincoln High School. It was at Lincoln High School in Dallas, Texas where Mattie Mathis met Bruce Caraway, her sweetheart and soul mate. This loving couple was married in 1948, and remained united for 67 years. Mattie received her advanced degree and license in cosmetology from the Franklin Beauty School, Inc. As a businesswoman she was the owner of her own beauty salon, Mattie’s Beauty Nook. Many awards, trophies and honors are credited to her success as an accomplished hair stylist, cosmetologist, and beautician. During her early childhood, she professed Christ and united with Magnolia C.M.E. Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. C.B. Johnson (along with her parents and siblings). In later years, Mattie continued her commitment to the Lord and she and her family united with True Lee Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. Donald Ray Parish, Sr. For many years, Mattie served faithfully in the choir as well as other ministries/activities in her Church until her health began to decline. Following many years of declining health and extended illness at the age of 94 years, Mattie relinquished the challenges of sickness and life, and transitioned into eternal rest on Friday, March 24, 2023. Mattie is preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Sr.; her parents, Curtis and Evie, siblings, Essie, Bessie, Curtis Jr., O.B., Lee and Douglas. Among the many family members who will continue to cherish Mattie's precious memories are two sons, Bruce, Jr. (Alfreda) of Marshall, Texas, exceptionally devoted Dwaine Richard (Barbara) of Dallas, Texas and one daughter Estella Vernice Savage of Dallas, Texas; siblings, Johnny T. of Dallas, Texas, Mittie Mitchell, of Hampton, Georgia, Mary Guillory (Elward Sr.) of Houston, Texas, Daisy Nelson of Houston, Texas, Dovie Vaughn of Austin, Texas. Mattie was very proud of her grandchildren Raymond, Sr., Hawaii, Melody, Misty and Nathaneal; great-grandchildren, Maui, Lani, Brandon Jr., Raymond Jr., and Alexa; one great-great grandchild, Amoni. There are many nieces, nephews, church families, relatives and friends, who will also continue to share and recall fond memories of Mattie Caraway.

Clergy, Pallbearers & Family

Reverend Millard Parish Pastor Bethlehem Baptist Church | Ennis, TX Reverend Donald R. Parish Jr. True Lee Missionary Baptist Church | Dallas, TX

Old Testament: New Testament:

Reverend John Wayne Delley Faith Tabernacle COGIC, South

“His Eye Is On The Sparrow” Sis. Linda Parker Sis. Keisha Montgomery, President Dallas Beauticians Association Texas State Association and Beauty Culturist League Theta Mu Sigma Sorority

True Lee Missionary Baptist Church Limit 2 Minutes, Please Sis. Deborah Cohen

True Lee Missionary Baptist Church Choir

(Read Silently)

“ Walk With Me Lord ” - Sis. Tommye Young West National Recording Artist

Reverend Donald R. Parish, Sr., Pastor True Lee Missionary Baptist Church

Cඋඈඐඇංඇ඀ Cൾඋൾආඈඇඒ “ I Shall Wear A Crown ”

Golden Gate Directors

Sometimes when a light goes out of our lives and we are left in darkness, and we do not know which way to go, Mother you taught us that we must put our hands into the hand of God and ask Him to lead us; and if we let our lives become a prayer until we are strong enough to stand under the weight of our own thoughts again, somehow, even the most difficult hours are bearable. Mother, we are so thankful to you for raising us in such a positive and loving environment. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone, for part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You have left us beautiful memories and your love is still our guide. And although we cannot see you mother, you will always be at our side. We love you and we will honor your legacy forever! Your Sons - Bruce, Jr. and Dwaine

It was fun growing up with Mattie, because in her own unique and special way, she was someone we could always count on to “Cook delicious food from “Scratch”. Her Strawberry Cakes were the best ever!! We are eternally grateful to her for her untiring love and devotion to our entire family. However, very late on Friday night, March 24, 2023, GOD saw our sister, Mattie getting tired. A cure was not destined to be

So God put His arms around her And whispered, “Come with Me”. Now, our “Sibling Chain of 12” is once again broken

And nothing really seems the same But, as God calls us one by one, Our “Chain” will link again.

Essie, Bessie, Curtis, Jr., Johnny, O.B., Lee, Mittie, Mary, Daisy, Douglas, & Dovie

Oh, the precious memories, how they ever linger and touch my soul.

When I sit and reflect, on your genuine love that truly impacted my life and all that came in contact with you. You were a living epistle by the life you led before me, my brother and my friends.

Our Heavenly Father says, “If you love me, keep my Commandments. “

I was blessed with a front row seat, getting to see and hear you as you loved your family and your customers. You did your part in training me and my brother Dwaine in the way that we should go. We went to church several times a week and we were all blessed to hear you sing unto the Lord, Songs of Praise with the True Lee Missionary Baptist Church and Magnolia C. M.E. church choirs. Mother, you could cook like you wouldn’t believe. You gave me your recipes for cornbread dressing and potato salad that I could never duplicate. I finally came to the conclusion, that the missing ingredient was that you mixed and stirred them with plenty of “Love”.

Mother, we will miss you so much until we meet again.

Love you,

If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane. I would walk right up to Heaven and bring you back again. No farewell words were spoken, No time to say "Goodbye". You were gone before I knew it, and only God knows why. My heart still aches with sadness, and secret tears still flow. What it meant to love you - No one can ever know. But now I know you want me to mourn for you no more; To remember all the happy times life still has much in store. Since you'll never be forgotten, I pledge to you today~ A hollowed place within my heart

is where you'll always stay. I Will Always Love You,

Mother, I promised you and my father that I would never ever put the two of you in a nursing home. I honored that promise with my father and with you until March 24th at 11:33pm. There are so many memories that you have placed in my heart over the years. One that I will forever cherish growing up is Saturday nights. After you had worked a long day at the beauty shop, you would come home and cook me and Bruce the juiciest hamburgers with fresh cut french fries while we watched “The Untouchables” on TV. I will forever remember Sunday mornings when you would get me and Bruce up to polish our shoes, and comb our hair to get ready to go to Sunday School on time. Before we would leave, my father would give us our weekly allowance money…and that was a great thing. After Sunday School, we would go with you into the sanctuary for Sunday Service. You know I had a bad habit of chewing gum. Mother, you would pinch me so hard and pull a Kleenex out for me to take the gum out of my mouth. Mother, I will never forget the whippings you would give me with your long leafy switches. Especially the whippings I got for things I thought I did not do. When Bruce would chase me out the house on Saturday mornings when we were home alone, sometimes I would still be in my pajamas. I would catch the 14 Lagow bus through downtown to my mother’s beauty shop in South Dallas. You always welcomed me, your baby, into the beauty shop and you would send me down the street to Good Luck Hamburgers where I was always treated to a hamburger, french fries and a chocolate malt with extra chocolate. Those were days I will never forget. Mother, the highlight of all my years with you was the love and affection you had for me and mine for you. Throughout all my years of education in radio, politics and the community, I always tried to keep a smile on your face and our family. I watched you and remembered the love and care you gave to me, my brother, my daddy, especially your father and mother (moma and pops) and other family members. Mother, I will always cherish and remember our talks. Mother, it is going to take me a while to get past you leaving me but I know that you are no longer suffering and you are now at peace. You are reunited with my father, and I know you are so happy and having a wonderful time. You will forever be in my heart, and I will forever cherish you as my mother. Until we meet again,

Thank you! Thank you for your love, your support, your guidance. Thank you for your example and your caring ways. Thank you for your words of encouragement. Your presence will forever live in our hearts.

Our lives are sad because you are gone But in our hearts we know you're not alone. God let us have you for a limited time, Then called you home to rest; Dear, sweet grandmother of mine. Countless times we needed you, countless times we cried If our love could have save you, you wouldn't have died. Our love grows stronger after each passing day Treasuring the memories that will never fade away. There will never be another like you, God broke the mold It will be up to us for all your Greatness to be told. You left an impression that will forever be in our hearts Your love will burn on in us, you started a fire with your spark Mama, we love you and miss you very much How wonderful it would be we could feel your touch. The time has come to say good-night, but never good-bye You went to be with Jesus and rest on high.

Your Grandchildren,

Our heartful thanks and appreciation are extended for your calls, visits, flowers, food and prayers. Words cannot express just how we feel for the many acts of kindness and concerns extended during the illness and transition of our beloved Mattie Bernice Mathis Caraway. SPECIAL THANKS Caregivers- Brenda Scott, Laura McAfee, Shirley DeLee, Alfreda Cole, Methodist Hospital, Staff and Nurse Lindsey Baby 10th floor, Dr. Gerald Bullock, Dr. Sharon Larkin, Heart to Heart Hospice and Fire Station #23, also Plead the Blood of Jesus Prayer Line. We also want to thank those that have supported our family over the years, Charles Bush, Mark Dubner, C. W. Whitaker, Linda Henderson, Levi Davis, Teresa, Ronnell, Ed Campbell, Pete Schenkel, Nettiestine Smith, Karen Jones, Eva Miles, Dominique Alexander, Willis Johnson, Gilbert Aranza, Aunt Dovie Pearl Mathis and Bryan Menchion and very special thanks to the Griffin family. “HIT SQUAD”: Deborah Cohen, CMM, CMP, CTA , Amber Pickens and Winsor Barbee as always….. Great Job. To Pastor Donald R. Parish, Sr. and True Lee Missionary Baptist Church membership, bereavement, culinary, A/V ministries and staff, and others…THANK YOU!!!

Charles Johnson | Michael Caldwell | Bruce Carter Dominique Alexander | Matt Canto | Warren Ervin, Sr

Johnny Mathis | Bryant Menchion | Elward Guillory Sr. Lawrence “Little Charles” Morris | Arthur Derricks | Eddie Clay Hill Raymond Caraway | C.W. Whitaker | Dr. Kevin Longshaw Levi Davis | Charles Bush

Laurel Land Memory Park Cemetery 6300 S. R. L. Thornton Fwy. Dallas, TX 75232

-F INAL A RRANGEMENTS E NTRUSTED TO -

Dr. John E. Beckwith, Jr. CEO& Owner Dallas, Texas 214-941-7332 Fort Worth, Texas 817-478-9555 Tallulah, Louisiana 318-574-6100 www.goldengatefuneralhome.com “Where Service Begins and Never Ends