Mattie B. Hedgepeth

Today, we gather to honor and celebrate a life well lived, Ms. Mattie B. Hedgepeth, who the Lord called home to rest on June14, 2024. She peacefully slept and entered into Heaven as the Lord called her to depart this life after 95 years on this earthly journey. She was born in Fairfield County, South Carolina, the daughter of the late George and Cleora Shelton Foster. Mattie was the first eldest daughter of five children. Mattie was preceded in death by her sister, Mary G. Hall and brother, James R. Foster.

Mattie lived in Fairfield County, South Carolina where she received her formal education. Mattie could be found working on the family property helping with chores of the day. She relocated to Baltimore, Maryland around 1950 to pursue better employment opportunities. She gain employment with St. Joseph Hospital in 1951 doing various jobs until she became a Nursing Technician in the recovery room for forty-two years of service, retiring in 1992.

Mattie had a smile that would light up the room and always had a caring nature about herself. She loved her family and always asked, "What can I do to help?" Without a doubt, Mattie's greatest accomplishment and true pride and joy could be felt and seen in her daughter Denise, lovingly known as Nicey. The two were never far apart, acting as a regular tag-team for family gatherings and always supporting each other as well as their family, near and far and extended. Mattie enjoyed frequent shopping trips with Niecy and they always ended the day with a well-deserved and delicious meal.

Mattie, her sisters and family members coordinated bus trips to Sweet Prospect Church (currently New Home Independent Baptist Church) in South Carolina for nearly forty years to support the church's building fund.

She was a faithful servant of God and became a member of New Friendship Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Reverend Joseph Culp. She also joined the Culp Jubilee and sang with the Community Vocal Choir for many years. She remained a faithful member for over 50 years until her health began to fail.

Mattie leaves to cherish her wonderful memories, one daughter, Denise Cherie Hedgepeth; one sister, Annie Ruth Coleman (late brother-in-law Thomas Coleman); one brother, Willie N. Foster, Sr. (sister-in-law Ernestine); and two adopted daughters, Annetta Brown and Charvette Henson-Smith; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and other family and friends who loved her dearly.