Deacon Mattie K. Stallings

An excellent woman; one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous.  Her value is

more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies and pearls. The world had

a pearl in Mattie.

Mattie Jonice Kenan was born in Wallace, North Carolina.  In a home with 2 boys –

Nathaniel and Bows, Walter and Dollie welcomed their baby girl to the family on

September 22 nd , 1934. Mattie’s ability to connect with all people and love so deeply was

developed in the small town of Wallace where she was surrounded by family.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

In a one room schoolhouse her path to education and the foundation of her love story

began with an encounter with a boy in her class.  Even though Mattie was in classroom

with several grades, her classmates and teachers were able to see that she had a thirst

for knowledge and a drive to excel. She attended C.W. Dobbins Elementary and Charity

High School, where she graduated in 1952. She was off to a new world with big

dreams.  She attended North Carolina A & T College in Greensboro, North Carolina.

One day back in Wallace, her brother Bows wanted to visit his sister in college but didn’t

have a car.  Bows asked a friend if he could get a car to go visit Mattie. This friend,

whose family had migrated to Wilmington, DE; was on leave from the Korean War.  That

friend who took the 168 miles drive with Bows was the boy in her one room

schoolhouse, Joe Stallings.  Although there were many suitors for Mattie, the two kept

in touch.  Writing and solidifying their love towards each other.   Eventually Joe was

sent to Boston, Mass and decided that Mattie Kenan was going to be his wife.  He

purchased a ring, wrapped it in a love letter, sent it to North Carolina and marked DO

NOT OPEN UNTIL I GET HOME.  Well, her mom opened it.   Joe and Mattie sealed

their love for each other on November 26, 1954 in the living room of her family home.

At 3:00 am on November 27 th , they hit the road to Wilmington, Delaware to build their life

together. Since education was important, her pursuit of knowledge didn’t end at A & T.

She attended Franklin Xray Technology in Philadelphia.

The secret to long lasting relationship is two people working, wanting, and standing

together creating a lifetime one day at a time.  Mattie and Joe went from living with his

family to a two-room apartment.  They moved to a bigger apartment on 6 th Street

because their family of two turned to three when Joseph Stallings Jr. was born.  They

purchased their first home on Thatcher Street where a baby girl Felicia was born, and

their family was complete. Mattie worked diligently as a dental assistant for Dr.

Woodrow Wilson, for 25 years. Her clients admired her beautiful Southern accent, a

testament to her Wallace North Carolina roots.

Mattie’s faith played a significant role in her life, and she was an active member of

several churches, including 8th Street Baptist, Resurrection Center, and Canaan Baptist

Church. She became a Deacon, and even trained the new Deacon classes in her own

home, a vital contribution to her community. Her dedication led her to serve as a

Deacon Emeritus.

Mattie is preceded in death by her parents -- Walter and Dollie Kenan; her brothers -

Walter West Kenan (Bows), and Nathaniel Kenan.

Mattie will be dearly missed by her husband Joseph Stallings, Sr.; her children -

Joseph Stallings, Jr (Jeweline) and Felicia Stallings; her grandchildren Demetria A.

Stallings; Joseph Stallings III (Madeline) and Timothy F Stallings; and her great-

grandchildren: Angelique Stallings, Joseph Stallings IV, Joshua Stallings, Mila Stallings,

and Maia Stallings. She also leaves behind special lifelong friends.

Mattie Jonice Kenan Stallings’ life was a testament to love, faith, and dedication. She

will forever be remembered for her Southern charm, her devotion to family and

community, and the impact she made on all who were fortunate to know her.

For God, the Faithful One is not unfair.  How can he forget the beautiful work you have

done for him.  Hebrews 6:10a