MATTIE LaVERNE McAFEE

Mattie Laverne Wilson McAfee was born to the union of Banks and Lily Wilson on November 7, 1928, in Ardmore, Oklahoma. The fifth of six children, Mattie shared her parents with Ora Mae, Sherman, Genetta, Nadine and Betty; all whom preceded her in death. Mattle was proud of her mother's Chickasaw Native American heritage and talked often of her sharecropper grandparents from Springer, Oklahoma. Her parents taught "God first" principles in the house and Mattie took these principles to heart and gave her life to Christ as a child. 

Mattie graduated from Douglas High School with a host of close friends and classmates including Lincoln and Hartwell Ragsdale. She loved playing the sport of baseball and proudly said, 'she was pretty good'. In 1946, she married her hometown sweetheart, Charles Thomas McAfee, and they moved from Oklahoma to San Diego, California. To this union were born two sons, Charles Winston and Ricardo, both of whom currently reside in San Diego, CA. 

Initially, Mattie and her family were members of the Bethel Baptist Church; however, in 1958 they joined Jackson Memorial Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop J.A. Blake. She had a strong love for the Word of God and a desire to deepen her relationship with Him. She was a faithful member and served in various capacities including, the Junior Mother's Board President and a member of the Deaconess Board; involved in Young People Willing Workers (YPWW) and served the church in whatever capacity she was needed. 

In 1962, Mattie and her husband, Charles, were among the first members of St. Stephen's Cathedral Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Bishop George, D. McKinney, where she became a lifelong member. Her involvement included: Counselor for the Deaconess Board, Vice President of the Mother's Board, Sunday School Teacher and under the leadership of Dr. Jean C. McKinney, she served on the Women's Executive Council for the Women's Department and counselor for Women with the Fireside Chat ministry. In addition, she was an active member of the monthly Interfaith Prayer Committee.

Mattie attended San Diego City College and majored in Political Science and Liberal Studies. She was blessed to work at General Dynamics, Solar Turbine Company, San Diego Gas and Electric, Citizen Interracial Committee as a staff member, and a researcher for the 42nd Congressional District Congressman, Lionel Van Deerlin 

Employed at UCSD for 20 years, Mattie was a Program Representative for the Urban Studies and Planning (USP) Department. Her responsibilities included: Budget control, scheduling academic appointments, supervision of staff, organizing orientation, and she served as a resource and a liaison for USP and other offices campus wide. Subsequently, Mattie was promoted to Assistant to the USP Department Chair. She received many honors for exceptional performance during ber 20-year stint at UCSD. 

Mattie Laverne McAfee practiced "God first" principles and served and cared for others..She was a mentor to many young women and men in the church. Mattie McAfee was a shining example of a God fearing, upright woman of integrity, a believer of the Word of God and was unwavering in her faith. One of her favorite scriptures was Philippians 4:4-7: Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

Mattie was married to Charles a total of 64 years when he passed away-in 2009. She described her lifelong partner as her friend and soul mate. She leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Charles Winston (Minnie) McAfee, Ricardo (Beverly-deceased) McAfee of San Diego, CA; Four granddaughters, Lanette McAfee of Las Vegas, NV, Chante (Brennan) Wrecke of Colorado Springs, CO, Sharles (Stephen), Kelley of Universal City, TX and Crista (Devron) Young of El Cajon, CA; Nine grandchildren, Robert Barton (Deceased), Reginald Barton Jr., Ricardo Barton, Ivan Wrecke; Gavyn Wrecke and Owen Wrecke, Anthony Charles Harris, Christopher Kelly and Kaitlyn Kelly. Two special nieces, (1) Anita Jackson Lewis, sons Harold (Shannon) Lewis, Christopher (Tamisha) Alivia Lewis and (2) Dana (James) Holmes, daughter, Savannah and a host of adopted children and extended family.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."

Psalms 116:15

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