Mattie Irene Killebrew

Mattie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Ennis Harold Killebrew of San Antonio, Florida, parents, Molly and Bill Parker of Fort Meyers, Florida; two sisters, Marie Bryant of Fort Meyers, Florida, Mildred Nipper of Brandon, Florida; and grandson, Ryan Buchanan.

Mattie was a caring and loving wife to Ennis Harold Killebrew, a World War II Navy Veteran, and loving mother to her four children, Sandra F. Cox (John), Janice I. Harris (Bill), Timothy H. Killebrew (Tenet’) and Donna M. Buchanan; seven grandchildren, Steven Cox, William Harris, Mike Cox, Monica Williams, Ashley McCloskey, Katie, Killebrew, Ryan Buchanan; ten great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren.

Mattie was an accomplished artist that placed first in several art competitions, one of which she won a scholarship to an art school in Miami, Florida. Mattie loved cooking for her family and baking birthday cakes for her grandchildren. She volunteered her services at Brandon Hospital, and taught art classes to help children learn the fundamentals of becoming an artist.

Mattie was also an accomplished welder a skill she acquired while working in the Tampa Shipyard during World War II. She was later transferred to Drew Field and worked there until she was married.

Mattie’s most important and greatest accomplishment in this life was accepting Jesus Christ as her personal savior and for this reason she left this world with his peace in her heart.

A funeral service for Mattie will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, September 15, 2024 at Stowers Funeral Home, 401 West Brandon Boulevard, Brandon, Florida. Interment to follow in Hillsboro Memorial Gardens, 2323 West Brandon Boulevard, Brandon, Florida. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the funeral home.