Mattie Thompson

Mrs. Mattie Louise Thompson, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in Saginaw, Michigan. She was 80 years old.

Born on July 24, 1945, in Saginaw, Michigan, Mattie was the daughter of Paul Glyden Smith and Mary Alice (Harper) Smith. She grew up in Vassar and attended Vassar Public Schools before continuing her education at Delta College, where she earned two associate's degrees and a certificate as a Dental Hygienist.

Mattie dedicated her life to serving others. She worked for many years in Home Health Care and Hospice, retiring in 2005. Her commitment to education and community was unwavering. She served as Vice President and Trustee on the Saginaw Board of Education for over 20 years. Mattie was also actively involved with numerous churches and organizations, including Women of Color and the Buena Vista Lions Club.

Known affectionately as “Aunt Mattie,” she touched countless lives through her generosity and mentorship. She had a passion for ensuring every child received a quality education and was always ready to help anyone in need. Mattie enjoyed baking, cooking, sewing, gardening, traveling, line dancing, playing cards (especially Spades), tutoring biology, and hosting family gatherings. She loved fashion, History, and Politics. She would remind her nieces and nephews of the importance of them knowing and learning their history. She would make sure that she stayed current with what was going on in the World by watching and listening to CNN and MSNBC daily. Mattie could be found on a weekly basis in her kitchen baking pound cakes, making all kinds of desserts, and preparing her signature cheesy potatoes of which she often prepared for community and family events.

Mattie’s greatest joy was her family. She leaves to cherish loving memories her children, Eric Thompson, Jason (Dewawn) Thompson of Saginaw, and Beverly Archer of Detroit; grandchildren, Erica, Delano, Tony, Zeavon, Cha’Nya, and Laila; and many great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Susan (Haneef) Rushdan, Julie Gipson of Saginaw, and Michael Clifton Smith of Vassar; brother-in-law, Ernest (Sylvia) Thompson of Detroit; sister-in-law, Lynn Smith of Vassar; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces, great-great nephews, many cousins, and special friends Marie Beasley, Linda Trotman, Haneef Rushdan, and Tammy Johnson.

Mattie was preceded in death by her parents; Paul Glyden Smith and Mary Alice (Harper) Smith; husband Willie E Thompson; brothers, Larry, Theodore, James, and Joseph Smith, sisters, Mary JoAnn (Smith) Murphy and Donna (Tina) Smith; uncles and aunts, Caesar (Pearl) and Steve (Jewell) Harper, Mattie (Raymond) Gilmore and Rosemary Johnson; sister-in-law, Jeanne Smith; and brothers-in-law, Frank Murphy and James Gipson.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Ivan Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel, the Saginaw Public School Board, the EMTs and paramedics who responded to the call, Dr. Ramont Roberts, Eric Gordon, Brooks Preston, Women of Colors, Buena Vista Lions Club, and all who shared love, food, and prayers during this time.

Mattie will be remembered for her kindness, unwavering dedication to education, and her love for family and community. She will be deeply missed.