Mattie Yvonne (Wiley) McCants

Mattie Yvonne Wiley McCants, 74, went home to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, August 12, 2023. She was surrounded by her loving family. Mattie was the eldest child born to J.B. Wiley and Mattie Starks Wiley on December 28, 1948 in Mobile, Alabama, but spent her childhood in Wilmer, Alabama. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age, and was baptized at Moffettville Missionary Baptist Church. She always knew prayer to be essential to life. Mattie graduated from Rosa Lott High School, then went on to obtain a B.A. in Sociology from The University of South Alabama, which she would later return to and earn a Master’s of Education. As a strong believer in education, Mattie served for the Mobile County Public School System as a Special Education teacher for seventh grade, and also as a Job Coach for students pursuing a Regular Diploma, or an Alabama Occupational Diploma. She maintained her certification in teaching, and in later years retired and was a substitute school teacher. Mattie was service driven, much as her career in education demonstrated. She also served as a Social Service Case Worker for Catholic Social Services, and was a Certified Nursing Assistant for several years.

Mattie enjoyed gospel music, gardening, fishing, and watching football. She was an avid Alabama fan. Mattie loved cooking – and believed in preparing full, home cooked meals. She was an avid genealogy enthusiast, and was a member of the Genealogy Society. Mattie was a devoted wife and mother, and loved helping family and friends.

Mattie was preceded in death by her parents, J. B. (Mattie) Wiley, Sr.; brother, Dennis Wiley; sister, Gloria Jean Wiley; nieces, Selener Brown; nephews, Harold “Cheeze” Edwards, Jr., and Demarius Wiley; cousins, Renard Starks and Leroy Wiley, Jr.

She is survived by her supportive and loving family husband Alvin McCants, Sr.; her four children, Felicia Marshea Brooks, Angela (Michael) West, Raymond Brooks, Jr., Alvin McCants Jr.; grandchildren, Jasmine Michelle West and Keyanna Nacole McCants; brothers, J. B. (Cynthia) Wiley, Jr., Luke (Fertinya) Wiley and Raymond (Shellia) Wiley; sisters, Brenda Allen, Deborah Wiley, Sandra Wiley, Bonnie Wiley and Sylvia Wiley; nephews, Orenthal “JoJo” Butler, Marcus Wiley, Rico Crenshaw, Martinez Crenshaw and Curtis Crenshaw; nieces, Yvonne Hall, Stacey Tucker, Timethia Nichols, Sandie Atkins, Asia Wiley, Chante’ Thomas;great-nephews and great-nieces, Keaun Jackson, Ka’Sean Brown, Kendell Malone, Jamarius Butler, Caleb Nichols, identical twins, Kaleigh and Kalani Butler, Haley Hall, Ashley Wiley, Ashton Wiley, Deryka Hall, Jamie Hall, Madalyn Seals, Jailun Wiley, Brooklyn Bates, Candace Thomas, Tony Wiley, Skylar Wiley, Torrence (TJ) Shepherd, Jr., Karter Cropp, Tristan Shepherd, Corbin Sayasy, True Hall, Camryn Ray, Kaylani Ray and Khari Davis; aunt, Helen Wiley; uncles, Earnest Allen and Sam Wiley, Sr.; as well as a host of other cherished family and friends left to cherish her memories.

Visitation for Mattie will be held on Friday, August 18, 2023 from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Pine Crest Funeral Home on Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile, Alabama, with a Homegoing Celebration beginning at 2. Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery.