Mattie McDaniels

On Tuesday, December 28, 1943, God sent a Blessing to Robert Cannon and Beulah McDaniel in the form of a beautiful Baby Girl whom they named Mattie.

Mattie was born in Santee, South Carolina, but moved with her Mother to Philadelphia, PA as a child in the early 1950’s.

It was in Philadelphia that she received her formal education, graduating from William Penn High School for Girls.

It was also in Philadelphia that she met the Love of Her Life, Ronald Bennett. From this union, Shilba and Eric were born.

Mattie worked at the Oak Lane Nursing Home and Quartermaster’s Military Factory, from where she retired.

Mattie accepted Jesus as her Savior at an early age, and continued her Spiritual Journey at the Beloved St. John Evangelistic Church where she served on many Ministries, including the Health Team and the Artense Lupton In-Home Care Committee. Pastor Clement M. Lupton III is her Pastor.

Mattie was a loving, lovable, calm natured person who loved life, God, her Church Family, a good fried porgie, a cocktail, having fun with Friends and Family and shopping on Aramingo Avenue.

Her Baby Shilba, aka “Sister Silkie”, was her Buddy, Friend, Pal, and Confidant. Most times, if you saw one, you could be assured that the other was close behind. Erick was her King; Her Son. When her grandson Robert came along, he stole her heart. Then came Lil Erick who stole more.

For many years, Mattie lived in the 2700 Block of N. Taylor Street, where she was "Ms Matt" to many. Most loved her, and she loved Most; She was known as being stern, but fair.

On May 8, 2020, after a brief period of severe illness, God, in His Infinite Wisdom, decided that seventy-six years, four months, and eleven days was long enough for His Child to suffer the troubles of this world. So during a time of Corona Virus, COVID19, Quarantines, Social Distancing, Food and Supply shortages, and other wiles of the world, he sent an Angel to MaEe’s bedside to escort her from Labor to Reward.

Now, Mattie rests in the arms of Jesus, as she leaves to Celebrate her life and Cherish her memory: One daughter, Shilba; One Son, Eric; two Grandsons: Robert and Erick; one Granddaughter, Sumaya; Four Great Grands: Robert Jr., Amour, Aaron, and Chantz; her “Adopted daughter”, Tamara, and a Host of other relatives and friends.

Submitted with Love, The Family