Mattie Jackson

Obituary for Mattie Ruth Jackson

Mattie Ruth Jackson, born June 28, 1947, in LaGrange, Georgia, to the late Laymon Jackson, Sr., and Lena Mae Jackson, entered eternal rest on December 6, 2024. She was the third of 13 siblings and attended Ethel W. Kight High School, graduating in 1966.

After her family relocated to New Jersey in [year], Mattie pursued higher education at the University of Texas. She dedicated 35 years of her life to serving as a social worker for the Department of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) in Hudson County before retiring in 2011.

Mattie shared a deep bond with her lifelong partner, the late Bobby Wade Brown, and together they raised a loving family, including her son Bobby N. Brown. She was also the proud mother of Dorian M. Jackson, whose father is Tommy Swepson. Beyond her immediate family, Mattie treasured her siblings, nieces, and nephews, often bringing the family together through her warm hospitality and heartfelt cooking. To Mattie, family wasn’t just about blood—it was about love, connection, and always being there for one another.

Known for her love of cards and frequent trips to casinos in Atlantic City and Yonkers, Mattie could often be found enjoying the excitement of the games she loved. A talented cook, Mattie was renowned for her southern comfort food, particularly her collard greens, mac and cheese, and peach cobbler.

Mattie’s generous spirit, soft-spoken nature, and unwavering care for others left a lasting impact on everyone she met. Whether offering a place to stay, a listening ear, or simply the warmth of her friendship, Mattie had a unique way of making everyone feel like family. She lived by her favorite sayings: “If you want something in life, go get it because you can’t take it with you,” and “Put God first.”

She adored the color lavender, the soulful melodies of the oldies, and especially “Keep on Rolling” by King George.

Mattie was predeceased by her lifelong partner, Bobby Wade Brown; her parents, Laymon Sr. and Lena Mae Jackson; her siblings Virginia Pettiford, Brenda King, and Robert Dewey Jackson; her sisters-in-law Janelle Jackson and Charlie Mae Jackson; and her brother-in-law Samuel King.

She leaves to cherish her memory her two sons, Dorian M. Jackson and Bobby N. Brown; her grandchildren, Dorian Walker, Daleah Jackson, and Zayiah Jackson; her great-grandson, Kaiser Walker; her sisters Mary Caddle, Roxie Wallace, Phyllis McClain, and Arthur Della (Terry) Pettiford; her brothers Leroy Jackson, Laymon Jackson, Jr., Roger Jackson, Jessie Jackson, and Kenneth Jackson; a special friend and caregiver, Jessica Angulo; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mattie’s warmth and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

                                    Acknowledgements

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all who have shared their love, support, and kindness during this difficult time.

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