Mattie Carolyn Long-Wills

(2 Corinthians 5:8)

Mattie Carolyn Long-Wills daughter of Lucille Gatling and Henry Williams was born on October 16, 1949 in Murfreesboro, North Carolina. She was called from labor to reward and received her wings on August 10, 2021 at approximately 8:52 in the evening at Holy Cross Hospital, Silver Springs, Maryland. Mattie grew up in a very loving and caring family; one of six siblings, she was predeceased by her parents, Sister Jean Lois Porter and brothers Richard Long and Leroy Long, Jr.

Bishop Joe Henry Stevenson and Mother Lucille Gatling Stevenson nurtured Mattie in the ways of the Lord and played an integral role in her development. Therefore, being raised in a Christian home, Mattie gave her life to Christ at an early age. She spent the major part of her spiritual journey at Stevenson Chapel Faith Deliverance Apostolic Church in Washington D.C. Mattie’s mother was a great influence in her life, having been the overseer and founder of nine (9) churches. Mattie enjoyed singing in the church and was a member of a local gospel group, The Long Specials. She was also a great missionary, teacher and evangelist. She continued her Christian Journey at Queens Chapel in Beltsville, Maryland under the Leadership of Rev. Dr. William E. Butler.

Mattie received her formal education in the Public School System of Washington. D.C. She graduated from Armstrong Senior High School in 1974 and later attended classes at Prince Georges County Community College where she matriculated in Business Administration. Mattie was a very industrious person and possessed a great work ethic. She was gainfully employed over the years and her work experience record began at Prince Georges Hospital. She was also employed by Equifax Credit Bureau, Johns Hopkins University and the Central Intelligence Agency, (CIA). Her final venture was with Lopez Family Childcare, Inc. Mattie was united in marriage to Richard Wills.

Mattie possessed the gift of helps and was loved and truly admired by all that knew her. She had several hobbies! She liked to read and stayed on top of current events and politics. A whiz in the kitchen, she loved to cook and eat. Her homemade Brownies and Pineapple Upside-Down cake were the bomb—the absolute best in town. She also enjoyed all types of international cuisine, and let’s not forget her favorite, ice cream.

Mattie was an avid sports fan. She loved baseball, basketball and football. Needless to say, the Redskins was her favorite team. Mattie was a great woman and child of God. She was trusting, a good listener and full of compassion for others. She loved her children, family, friends and her God. To know her was to love her and she will truly be missed by all.

She leaves to cherish her memory: husband Richard, (3) loving daughters, Karen W. Lara Lopez (Pedro), Zabra C. Wilson, and Tashia S Jones (Roderick) (5) grandchildren: Beonka, Kristen, Darryl, Kaefono and Joshua; (5) great-grandchildren; Olivia, Summer, Anaya, Jayden and Khalil; Sister Malinda Bennett, brother Donald Long and a host of other relatives and friends.

God saw the road was getting rough

The hills were hard to climb and so

God gently closed her eyes and

Whispered peace be thine