Mother Mattie B. Wood

Sis. Mattie Wood (“The Songbird of Suffolk”) transitioned early Monday morning, December 02, 2024 at her residence. She’s a daughter of the late Mal and Maggie Hawkins Bradley and was born in Halifax, North Carolina. She later moved to Suffolk, VA and married Mr. John H. Wood. During the marriage, she had 6 daughters and was still able to pursue her singing career/ministry while being a dedicated wife, mother, and hardworking citizen. She has been employed by Planters, Felton Cleaners, and Carolina Cleaners; has been a volunteer with the American Cancer Society and has attended many civic league meetings as an advocate for change. She visited with may sick and shut-ins at various homes and nursing homes/assisted living facilities. She would welcome family, friends, and strangers into her heart and home to clothe, feed, and offer godly counsel.

Our “Songbird” was a faithful member of Tabernacle Christian United Church of Christ (later changed to Tabernacle Christian Church) where the following pastors presided – Rev. Lee, Rev. Long, and Bishop Upton, Sr. She served as a choir member, usher, deaconess, Sunday School teacher, and a helping hand (i.e., cleaning, pressing/ironing, and setting up/break down of the communion linen set). 

She ministered through song all across Virginia, North Carolina, Canada, Paris, and London England. She has also had the privilege of being on programs with The Pearly Gates, The Pilgrim Jubilee, The Gospel Travelers of Garysburg, NC, Shirley Caesar at the Apollo Theatre in New York, Minister Earl Bynum, Ebony Impact Gospel Choir of Old Dominion University, Pastor Peggy Britt & the Philharmonics, Brenda Boone and the Higher Praise Community Choir, Frankie Davis, and many more. 

Sis. Mattie is preceded by her husband John H. Wood, daughter Betty Jean Wood, brothers: Charles, Bruce, Buster, and Ernest Bradley, sisters: Susie Mallory, Mamie Copeland, Hattie Bradley, Lena Bradley, Nancy Porch, son-in-law Jerry Jacobs, and great granddaughter Taaliyah Worrell.

Treasured memories will be left with her children: Loretta Wood-Harrell (Walter), Lenice Butler (Roger), Jenice Worrell (James, Sr.), Johnnie Mae Jacobs (Jerry), and Pamela Wood (Clay); grandchildren: Chris Wood, Leandro Worrell, Deandro Worrell, Tisha Wood, Tinisha Twine, Chivonne Franklin, James Worrell, Jr., Jhirmeca Jacobs, Paul Worrell, Camara Jacobs, Samson Worrell, Miracle Worrell-Neossi, and Tré Wood; 31 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren, her sister Laura Rooks (Maryland), God-children: Teresina Lassister and Norine Edwards (Dwayne), nieces, nephews, and a host of family and friends. 

Viewing will be held 1-5 p.m. Wednesday, December 11, 2024 followed by a visitation with family 5-7 p.m. A celebration of life will be held noon, Thursday, December 12, 2024 at Union Baptist Missionary Church. Bishop Carlton R. Upton, Sr. will deliver the message of comfort. She will be laid to rest in Carver Memorial Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.