Our beloved Susan Mattison, better known as Mama and Nana, entered into the Kingdom of Heaven on Saturday, August 26, 2023 while surrounded by her family. We were not ready to lose Nana but find comfort knowing that she is healed and with our Lord.
Susan was preceded in death by her mother, Martha Jean Honeycutt, and her children, Amy and Nathan.
Her legacy will be carried on by her beloved husband, Richard Mattison; their three sons, Bryan Mattison (Suzanne), Kyle Mattison (Maegan), and Jordan Daniel Mattison; her treasured five granddaughters, Kaelynn, Hailey, Olivia, Gracie, and Clara Mattison; and her brother Mike Honeycutt; her father, Charles Honeycutt and his wife Rosemary; her dearest friends Phillip and Pat Reynolds.
Susan was born in Corinth, MS, in May of 1953. She graduated from Marshall Academy in Holly Springs. Richard and Susan were married in 1978. She worked various jobs with customers in retail but her most notable work was raising her children and grandchildren. Throughout the years, she was a comforting contact for the SIDS Foundation (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and volunteered as a victim advocate for the Recovery House. She was a faithful member of Meadowview Baptist Church where she served the community as part of the Encouragers Sunday School class for many years.
Susan is described by many as always smiling, patient, beautiful, positive, compassionate, caring, strong-willed, sassy, and very funny. She loved telling stories from the past and was known for her remarkable memory. She was hospitable with her door always open and snacks always available to all the children in her community. There are few things she loved as much as her beloved Richard, but some of her favorites include brownies, Coca-Cola, flowers, garden ornaments, bird-watching, decorating for holidays – especially Christmas, and her many magazine subscriptions.
Susan was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of thirty-two. Through the years, she was an absolute warrior, enduring so much with so little complaint. While MS may have caused her some physical limitations, it could not limit the love and kindness she showed to everyone around her. It certainly could not weaken her sense of humor or steal her abundant joy.
She stands in our hearts as an absolute tower of strength. She was surrounded by strong men and they will all tell you, their strength does not compare to hers. She was very proud of her sons and her granddaughters who relied on her for her endless encouragement and prayer. She always persevered. She always had compassion for others. She was never without a smile on her face and a funny story to tell. She was known for her keen ability to give gifts, which she called “happies.” Though we will mourn the loss of Nana daily, we have peace knowing we will be reunited in time. She was a pure soul who will be missed by everyone who knew her.
At the celebration of her extraordinary life, the family asks attendees to wear bright colors and florals to honor Susan’s love of flowers and her happy spirit.
Services will be held at Meadowview Baptist Church, 300 Linden Cr., Starkville, MS, on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 with visitation at 9:30 AM, funeral service at 11:00 AM. There will be no graveside service.
Please consider a memorial to the Encouragers Class Ministry Meadowview Baptist Church 300 Linden Cr. Starkville, MS 39759.
