Mattie Mae Thomas

Mattie Mae Foster was born October 13, 1932, to Willie B. and Annie Gladys Hardin Foster in New Albany, MS, the eldest of fourteen (14) children. She received her education in New Albany, Mississippi at the Union County Training School completing the 8th grade. In 1983, she earned a GED and started business education classes at Penn Valley Community College. She accepted Christ at an early age at St. Mary’s Church in New Albany.

In 1946, Mattie married Herston Simmons, Sr. To this union four (4) sons were born – Howard Lee Simmons, Steven A. Simmons, Charles A. Simmons and Herston John Simmons Jr. Herston, Sr. was in the military that led them to move to Kansas City, Missouri in 1947. This marriage ended.

In 1952, she met and began a relationship with Alfred Glasco. Together, they welcomed a daughter, Patricia Ann. They continued as close friends.

In 1962, she met Leon Thomas. They were married October 2, 1965, to this union, one child was born, LaTanya. Together they created a blended family that included: Ralph Thomas, James Thomas, Louise Thomas, Bernita Thomas McCain and Ron Thomas. They were married for 37 years until his passing on June 1, 2002. She was proud of all of her children and especially proud of her grandchildren. She often remarked that she had the “best in the world”. Mattie loved family and served as the captain for Kansas City in the Hardin-Foster Family Reunion.

Mattie had an unmatched work ethic and worked diligently at everything she did. She worked in several professions including as a jeweler at Jaccard's Jewelry Store, at Ward Parkway for many years until the store closed in the late 1970’s.

Mattie worked as a Cook/Baker then Cafeteria Manager for the Kansas City, Missouri School District retiring in June, 1995 after 25 years of service. She accepted a part-time position and returned to the District from 2010 to 2012. She was quite the Lunch Lady and a favorite of the all students and staff. She was famous for her fried chicken, sweet potato pie, peach cobbler, cinnamon rolls, macaroni and cheese.

Mattie joined True Vine Missionary Baptist Church in 1960 under the leadership of Reverend Charles Oliver Banks and continued under the spiritual leadership of Reverend Elbert Hyche. She served in the Special Effort Club, Willing Workers Club, Usher Board, Adult Choir, Mission and Culinary Team and as Youth Director for many years. She later became a charter member of New Jerusalem Baptist Church under the spiritual leadership of Reverend Hyche.

She joined the New Era Missionary District Association Choir and served for many years under the direction of Sister Viola Howard. She loved attending the National Baptist Convention.

On September 27, 1981, she moved her membership to Haven of Rest Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Nathaniel Nelson. She served as the President of the Inspirational Choir for twenty-five plus years. She served as Junior Usher Board Supervisor, Junior Choir Leader, Sunday School Teacher and Vacation Bible School Teacher, Women’s Day Chairman, Pastor’s Aid, Mission, and on the culinary team. She continued to serve at Haven of Rest under the leadership of Reverend Monscenior Cunningham and remained until she gained her wings on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.

She loved the Lord and instilled in her children the importance of a strong spiritual foundation.

Left to continue her legacy are:

Children: Sons - Howard Simmons, Steve Simmons (Sallie) and Herston Simmons all of Kansas City, MO; Charles Simmons of Baltimore, MD and Ron Thomas of New Haven, CT; Daughters – Patricia A. Walker (Monroe Beard) and LaTanya Thomas Patton (Fred); fifteen (15) Grandchildren, twenty-one (21) Great-Grandchildren, and seven (7) Great-great Grandchildren;

Sisters: Birdie Barker (Albert) of Beloit, WI; Eldora Purnell (Ernest) and Teresa Hardaway (Albert) of Memphis, TN; Brothers, Charles Foster of Racine, WI, Jimmy Foster (Jessie) of Beloit, WI and William Foster (Belinda) of Holly Springs, MS and Brother in law, Bridgeman M. Thomas (Linda) of Kansas City, a special niece, Alicia Davis of Kansas City, a host of bonus children, nieces, nephews, and family and Church family; Sister friends, Lovell Matlock, Ella Marshall, and Rosie Thomas.

Welcoming her into glory are: Her parents, grandparents, husband, siblings-Henry Foster, Albert B. Foster, Willie Ann Turner, Willie Foster, Elma Lee Davis, Albert James Foster and Curtis Foster; Bonus children – Bernita Thomas McCain, James Thomas, and Louise Thomas; Grand- daughter, Tiffany L. Cole and Daughter in love, Rhonda Sue Simmons.

Services for Mrs. Mattie M. Thomas will be held on Friday, April 15, 2022 at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO at 1:00pm; Visitation is from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Burial at Mt. Moriah Cemetery South.