Mattie Brown

Mattie Pearl was born March 1st, 1941 in Memphis, Tennessee to the union of Harry and Ida Hickerson. Of this union, there were five children; Mattie was the second oldest (both parents, oldest brother Chris, younger sister Barbara, and baby brother Ricky all preceded her in death).

Originally, Mattie was a student at Florida-Kansas Elementary School, but the family would eventually move to Chicago, IL in 1952 where she would continue her education at Tennyson Elementary School. She’d go on to graduate from Lucy Flower High School.

At the age of 16, Mattie professed her love and belief in Christ at Greater Holy Temple COGIC under the pastorate of Bishop Eleazar Lenox. She would go on to be baptized and briefly join the choir. 

In 1959, Mattie married her first love Norman Brown Sr. The ceremony was held in the living room of her West Side home, the home by which her immediate family now refers to as “Headquarters.” By the end of 1963, this union birthed four girls: Geraldine, Gwendolyn, Linda, and her babygirl Norma (whom preceded her in death).

Mattie Pearl worked a few full time jobs in hospitality and customer service, juggling her occupations with being a full time mother. Ultimately, she devoted her time to raising her children. 

In 1987, after the loss of her father, the late Deacon Hickerson, Mattie chose to renew her vow to God and become more active in the church. So under the new leadership of Eld. James E. Lenox, Mattie would proclaim her belief and be baptized once more. She’d go on to be a part of a number of committees: Pastor’s Aide, Christian Women Council and the Usher Board (she was the oldest active usher). She was a faithful member of Greater Holy Temple leading up to her untimely death, with Eld. Lamont Lenox as current pastor. Mattie was blessed to have served under a three-generation pastorship.

Mattie was diagnosed with Dementia in 2016. Only six years later, the illness had run its course. After being rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital, Mattie departed this life on February 18th, 2022 at 2:37PM. 

Mattie Pearl leaves to cherish her memory:  Three daughters: Geraldine Miller, Gwendolyn Lust, and Linda Thompson (Robert). One stepson: Tariq Abdur Rahman (Dionne). One brother: Larry Hickerson (Beverly). Eleven grandchildren: Tamysa, Chastity, Jimmy, Johnathan, Rahisha, Nyhisha, Mattie Denise, Linda Louise, Sarah, Michael, and Yu’Mail. Twenty great grandchildren. Five great-great grandchildren. A host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends.