Mattie Beatrice Downs October 18, 1930 - May 19, 2019
Mattie Beatrice (Hardy) Downs, 88, entered her heavenly home on Sunday, May 19, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas. Mattie was born on October 18, 1930 in Hertford, NC to the late Moses and Georgia Hardy. After graduating from C.G. White High School (Powellsville, NC) she moved to Norfolk, VA in 1956 where she would get married and give birth to three wonderful children.
Mattie started her career transporting children to Oakwood Chapel Kindergarten in the 1960’s for the Oakwood and Coronado neighborhoods. Mattie retired from Norfolk Public Schools as a school bus driver after 22 years of service. She loved driving a school bus, talking with the children and building lifelong friendships.
Mattie also loved to travel. She had the opportunity to visit Niagara Falls, NY, Irvine, CA, Tiawana, Mexico, Okinawa, Japan, Lake Charles, LA, Hawaii, Las Vegas, NV and Disney World.
Mattie enjoyed participating in the Senior Olympics each year and meeting with fellow seniors at various community centers. She was a community activist attending election campaign rally’s and worked as a voting poll volunteer.
Mattie was a proud and involved member of Olive Grove Baptist Church for over 50 years giving her time and love through providing her services as Recording Secretary for 20 years, founding member of the Beautification Ministry, serving on the Supplemental Usher Board and as resident “Craft Lady” for Vacation Bible School and the early days of youth fellowship.
Mattie was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. She leaves to cherish her loving memory 3 children Sharon Downs. Arthur Downs, Jr (Karen) and Sherry Downs. Grandchildren, Jasmine Downs, Dexter Downs (Glenasha) and Nichole Downs. Great-grandchildren Jaylen Downs, Mahri Theus and Eeva Downs. Mattie is also survived by one sister Mildred Bond (Fletcher), 2 brothers Eugene Hardy (MIldred) and Alfred Hardy, Sr., and one sister-in-law Anne Ruth Hardy. Mattie is also survived by many nieces, nephews, lifelong friends and a host of people who loved her from the moment they met and claimed her as a surrogate mother and grandmother.