Mattie Naomi Hunt

Mrs. Mattie Naomi Roberts Hunt was born to Rev. Clarence E. Roberts and Jennie Louise Logan Roberts on March 11, 1921 in Nashville, Tennessee. The family moved back to Clarksville, Tennessee in 1923. She professed a hope in Christ and was baptized at the age of twelve in the Edgefield Baptist Church, where her father was pastor. Mattie grew up happily with her siblings York, Susie, Charles and Harriett. She loved going to church and participated in Sunday School, Baptist Training Union, and sang in the choir. She attended Cobb Elementary School and graduated from Burt High School in 1940, receiving very high grades.

On December 26th, 1942, Mattie’s father performed the marriage ceremony for her and Mr. Sylvester Northington Hunt. The happy couple moved to Indianapolis and united with the Galilee Baptist Church in January 1943. She was employed by L. S. Ayres & Company as an elevator operator. Mattie immediately went to work in the church and community, and continued to be active for the Lord until her very last days. She served as Sunday School and Vacation Bible teacher, Red Circle Girls and Matrons leader. She was President and Treasurer of the Missionary Society, President and Vice President of the Deaconness Society, and Chairperson of a monthly clothing give-a-way. Mattie served as the Chairperson of the Community Missions Committee in the Union District Association. She became a well-known evangelist speaking for Women’s Day or Missionary Day services in thirty-seven churches across the city, as well as in Kokomo, Chicago, Louisville and Clarksville. Mattie organized a Neighborhood Club for children to study the Bible and fellowship together. She also inspired children each week with her weekly classes for the Good News Club at School 37. She became famous for her inspirational flannel board lessons. Many young people united with different churches, but still remember Mrs. Hunt or “Aunt Mattie.”

She became a resident of the Allisonville Meadows Senior Community in November of 2012, and her mission never ceased. She read her Bible regularly and could be heard above most singing praises to the Lord in their weekly services. She ministered to the aides and nurses, affectionately greeting all the females with “Hi, pretty girl!” Most of the staff quickly adopted her as their “Aunt Mattie.” Her favorite songs were “Lord, I Want to be a Christian” and “I’m A Soldier in the Army of the Lord.” Her life mission was the salvation of God’s people and helping others. Her basement was always filled with clothing, newspapers, cans, and bottles to be recycled or donated for some cause. “If I Can Help Somebody,” is a suitable theme for her life. She touched so many people as she travelled along her Christian walk, and her living was certainly not in vain.

The last of her immediate family, Mattie leaves a Christian legacy and beautiful memories to her nieces, Arlester Price, Janice Walker, Zora Hayden, Charlester Jamison and Theresa Roberts; nephews Vernice Marshall, Daryl Hayden, Michael Price, Eric Walker, David Roberts and Curtis Jamison; great nephews, Michael Price Jr., Brian Price, Jedadieah Marshall and Enas Hayden, great niece Ni Kal Price, great-great niece Amyrah, great-great nephews, Nevin and Quenton (whom she was blessed to live long enough to enjoy), sister-in-law, Dorothy Roberts, loving cousins, and her husband’s nieces and nephews whom she claimed as her own. She cherished her life-long friend Louise Ricketts, her sister-friend Cordie McKenzie Swanigan, and her very special friend, Mary Jones.

The Visitation will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2014, 10am - 12pm, with the Homegoing Celebration commencing at 12pm at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, 2624 E. 25th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. The burial will immediately follow in New Crown Cemetery.