Mattie Lee Pendleton Jones

Reflections of “Mattie Lee Jones”

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing. -2 Timothy 4:6-8-

    Today we gather here as family and friends to celebrate the life of Mattie Lee Jones. She was born December 6, 1949 to the late J.C. and Jessie B. Pendleton.

    She departed this life on Thursday, March 28, 2024 in Byram, MS.  She was preceded in death by her late husband Eddie Lewis, her brother-in-law Earnest Thomas, and her only Son-In-Love Eddie Jenkins, better known as “her card cheating partner.”

    Mattie graduated from Holtzclaw High School in 1968. She then attended Job Corps in Boston, MA before beginning her career at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi where she worked for over 30 years.

    Mattie loved her family and was a faithful member of St. Mary UMC until her health failed.  Over the years she served many roles in the church including Usher, Church Secretary, Class Leader, Certified Lay Speaker, Lay Leader, Lay Member to the Annual Conference, Recording Secretary of Charge Conference, Children’s ministries, Mission Outreach ministries, Board of Trustees, Member of the Pastor Parish Relations Committee, Chair of the Church Council/Administrative board, Cluster representative, Communications, Member of Nomination/Lay leadership committee, Member of the Finance committee, and Church business administrator.

    After retiring from BCBS of Mississippi she began a new career as Director of Mississippi Lifeline, Inc. where she spent over 20 years. She served as Board Chair at Contact the Crisis Line. In 2021 Mattie received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Contact the Crisis Line where she served as a Crisis Counselor in the early years.

    Mattie leaves to cherish her memories two sisters, Helen (RJ) Sandifer and Eva Thomas, three daughters, Berenda, Belinda and Cynthia Pendleton, two granddaughters, Jalisa and Sabrina Pendleton and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.