Mattie Stuckey

Mrs. Mattie Ann Stuckey’s life journey began July 24th, 1939 in Falcon, Mississippi as the fourth of five children to Prince Albert and Mattie Burkett. Growing up she had 3 sisters and 1 brother who meant a great deal to her. She spent her days farming, playing games, and enjoying the company of her siblings. She was preceded in death by Sisters Daisy Burkett and Annie May “Sis” Lawshe, and Brother Prince Albert Jr. “Buddy” Burkett. She leaves behind Juanita McKelphin who currently lives in Chicago Illinois. While attending JS Felix high school she was very active in her school's community. She served as the senior class assistant secretary, sang in the choir, and was quite the star athlete running track and playing basketball. She was offered a scholarship to attend Philander Smith College in Arkansas where she wanted to study nursing, but stayed home as she was dedicated to caring for her family. After graduating highschool, knowing she would make an impact with her desire to help others, she began work as a CNA at the Tennessee Home for the Incurables, now called Kings Daughters and Sons. Through hard work and dedication she became the first African American CNA at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis Tn. Her huge smile, soft sweet demeanor, and grace, caught the attention of Calvin Stuckey and the pair became inseparable. They married almost immediately and started their family. They had three wonderful children, Tyrone, Kevin, and Myra. As a devout christian she began a search for a church home alongside her family, and found it at Greater Open Door Missionary Baptist Church. Her faith eventually led her to Greater Paradise Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Gregory C. Stokes. However, she returned to her home church and continued to serve until her health failed. Here, she was a junior Sunday school teacher and served faithfully as an usher. While helping others was her passion, sewing and crafts were her talent. Mattie soon made a name for herself as a seamstress with a successful business. She soon claimed the title of Best Seamstress in South Memphis. She was known for having a special way of altering and mixing patterns making sure to give her clients, who were like family, their desired look. As her talents became more in demand she chose to increase her knowledge of the latest trends. She attended Kansas Vocational Technical School and received a certification as a master of sewing and design. Her skills afforded her the ability to retire herself from Baptist Hospital and became a full time stay at home mom and entrepreneur. Though she only had three biological children, and grandchildren, she was a mother, grandmother, aunt, or godmother to everyone she met. She always had a kind spiritual word to give and would often say “You are blessed to be a blessing”. Her physical journey with us ended Wednesday November 8, 2023 surrounded by her husband and children. She leaves behind her husband of 61 years Calvin Stuckey, 2 sons Tyrone Stuckey(Jeanne-Rae) and Kevin Stuckey (Tia), 1 daughter Myra Stuckey, and 3 granddaughters Tyanna Stuckey, Shaina Stuckey, and Kaila Stuckey. Additionally she leaves countless children and grandchildren of the heart and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends

Mattie Stuckey

July 24, 1939 - November 8, 2023