Mattie Lou (Parker) Martin

Mattie Lou Martin, 74 of Saucier, moved to heaven Saturday afternoon, June 19th, from Singing River Hospital in Gulfport. She was the baby and last remaining of eight children, born June 23rd, 1946 in Gulfport to Herbie and Geneva (Sauls) Parker. Mattie was preceded by her son, Keith Woodard, and her siblings, sisters Edith, Katherine Bradley, Florence Murphy and Nelma Johnson, and brothers Lawrence, William and Lamont Parker. Left to cherish her memories are: her two sons, Carlos Fernandez of Saucier and Kirk (Karin) Woodard of D'Iberville. She leaves a legacy of one granddaughter, Kristen and four great-grand children: Mason, Sophia, Mattie and truly the love of her life, Katherine Rose, along with tons of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends through the years. Mattie was born in Gulfport but called Saucier home her entire life. She grew up in church and loved music, reading her Bible and memorizing verses. Mattie learned to play the guitar and did so often both in church and at home. Her boys remember her picking and signing old songs with them, like "I'm Using My Bible for a Roadmap" and "Jesus Signed My Pardon". Mattie worked as a cashier in various places whenever she had to, but spent most of her time raising her boys, which was a full-time job itself. She did not mind it though because that's who she was. Mattie had unconditional love for everyone, often reminding her boys that "we never know what others have been through or are dealing with, until we walk a mile in their shoes". She had a mind like a steel trap, remembering names and numbers with ease, rarely forgetting anything. She attended and graduated from the old high school at Perkinston, before it became MGCCC, where math was so easy for her. She married out of high school and made Saucier her home. Mattie got to travel around over the years some, living in other states while her husband worked union jobs. But she didn't care much for other places, especially the Northern states, always returning home to Saucier. A life-long Christian and member of Saucier Holiness Church, Mattie loved God and prayed daily. She knew the true power of prayer and what God was capable of, longing for the day she would see her mother and son in heaven. Sadly for those she leaves, Mattie has now realized that day. She is lovingly remembered as "the best momma ever" and will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved her. The family has set services for Saturday, June 26th at Trinity Funeral Services in McHenry. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by a chapel service at 11. Afterward, Mattie will be laid to rest beside her son Keith at Saucier Community Cemetery. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Martin family in their time of need, asking everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this trying time.