Mattie Bell Williams was the youngest of 13 children born to the union of Jack Sylvester and Lela Scott Willis (all of whom have preceded her in death).

Mattie attended grade school at 12th Street Elementary School and was a graduate of Cobb Avenue High School, class of 1953. Mattie accepted Christ in her life at an early age and was an active member of Smith Metropolitan AME Zion Church. Mattie met the love of her life, Freddie Lee Williams and was married on June 25, 1955. to that union, four sons were born, Reggie A. (Melinda), Eric G. (Selena), Victor B. (Carolyn) and Terrell R. (Shannon) Williams.She lived the life of a military spouse, traveling the world from Schilling AFB, Kansas, McDill AFB, Tampa, Florida, Feltwell England, Scott AFB, Columbus, Ohio, to March AFB, San Bernadino, California. Mattie was active and dedicated to Eastern Star Chapter 89, Pomona, California, Sun Rise Assembly #273, Riverside, California, Daughters of Sheik Court #138, Riverside, California, and locally she was a member of Pilgrim Rest #372 of Anniston, Alabama.

Mom loved spending time traveling with Hazel (Tee) Alridge, her last surviving sister, who preceded her in death in 2012. The two were like two peas in a pod. Mom was called home to rest on Saturday, September 23, 2017. Her memory will be cherished and celebrated by: her surviving sister-in-law, Victoria Williams; her grandchildren, Eon, Eric, Jr., Teshalyn, Deckeon, Tainiesha, Shawn, Ryan and Dakoda; her great-grandchildren, Demarien Brewster, Lauryn Brewster, Rayme Williams, Eileeya Brewster, Landon Allen, Laithen Allen and Jordan Williams; her nephew, Gary C. Alridge and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.