Mattie Elizabeth King

Mattie Elizabeth King was born on June 11,1931 in Columbia, South Carolina to the late Ada Leola Bracy Fulks. She was also affectionately known as Sue or Susie to her family. She departed this life on Monday, January 1, 2024 at the age of 92.

Her childhood was spent in Columbia where she attended the historical “old” Howard Elementary School and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. She moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania aimed at greater opportunities for her family. She joined Tenth Memorial Baptist Church with Rev. Allen T. Dixon as Pastor. She and her Uncle Clarence Livingston sang in the choir for many years and participated in other church activities. Her favorite scriptures were found in the Psalms of the Bible.

She obtained her license from Cartiers School of Beauty in Philadelphia and worked with Sylvester Simon for years. At that time, she was a member of the Pennsylvania State Association of Modern Beauticians and Cosmetologists, Inc. After many years of service, she was honored with an award from the association.

Mattie relocated to Willow Grove, PA, and attended First Baptist Church of Crestmont. She established her ability as an entrepreneur and operated her personal Beauty Shop as she built her clientele. She displayed kindness, caring and humility to her senior citizen customers as she traveled to their homes to style their hair when they were confined. She was committed and had compassion for helping the sick and shut-in whenever she was able to do so. She was always a blessing to the seniors and they were very grateful.

Since 1984, she was a dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star VFW Post 3398 and served as past president of the Ladies Auxiliary. She was also active in the local Democratic Party Organization and several other organizations.

Mattie enjoyed gardening and for years cultivated a beautiful yard every summer that made her proud and gratified. She took pleasure in preparing delectable meals and listening to music while dancing. People were in awe of her level of energy and drive for success. She loved touring and traveled to many places including Germany, London, Italy, Bahamas, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, Poconos, California, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Mexico, Texas and on many cruises, etc. Mattie was a member of the Greater Philadelphia chapter of the famous Tuskegee Airmen Inc. They were a group of African American military pilots and airmen who fought in World War II as a part of the United States Army Air Force. They were formed by the War Department in January 1941.

She was described as strong willed, clever, challenging, determined and tough with a sassy, high-spirited attitude. She had the pride of someone who knew hardship and endured. Mattie desired her grandchildren to remember that words are powerful, use them wisely. Family can be like music, some high notes, some low notes, but we should always try to make it a beautiful song.

She was preceded in death by one daughter, Sylvia Doreen Washington and one son, Wilbert Garrett; four siblings, Wilbert Garrett, Herbert Bracy, Miriam Garrett and Barbara Louis.

Mattie is survived by one daughter, Barrie Merrick; two sons, Quincy King and Michael King; grandchildren, Desmond Miller, Jamie Miller, Tawana Armstrong, Quincy Mills, Stephanie Lott, Troy King, Alvin King, Michael Basketville, Icylee Basketville, Michael King Jr., Branden King, Mishsela King; numerous great and great, great grandchildren; one sister, Carolyn Fulks Griffin; two brothers,, Paul (Mary) Fulks, John (Elsa) Jackson; nieces, nephews, cousins and other caring family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 115:1)

A viewing for Mattie will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Lamb Funeral Home Inc., 101 Byberry Road, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania 19006. A celebration of life will occur Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM, 101 Byberry Road, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania 19006. An interment will occur Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 1:20 PM at Whitemarsh Memorial Park, 1169 Limekiln Pike, Ambler, Pennsylvania 19002.