Mattie Frances White

“There is no secret what God can do. What He’s done for others, He will do for you. And if I can help somebody as I travel along the way, then my living will not be in vain.”

That is exactly how Mattie saw life. It did not matter what walk of life you followed, you were welcome when in her presence. She would always feed you and give you some good laughs. She was firm, kind, and giving. She never met a stranger.

Mattie Frances was born on July 9, 1955, in Camden, Aransas to the union of Horace and Mattie Sue Juniel Mahan. She was a member of Holly Grove Baptist Church. One of many favorite bible scriptures was Psalm 91.

Mattie loved learning and was a 1973 Honors graduate from Bearden High School. After she completed high school, Mattie attended and graduated from Red River Practical Nursing College in Camden, Arkansas in 1978. She loved helping people, and she had a heart for making a difference in people’s lives. Mattie was well-known for her contagious smile and generous heart for others.

Her favorite pastimes included traveling, spending time with family and loved ones, and cooking. She was widely known for her baked treats. She made pound cakes, biscuits from scratch, banana pudding, and peach cobbler. Her prized chicken and dressing belonged on a restaurant menu.

She passed from this life on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs. Mattie was preceded in death by her parents, Mattie Sue and Horace Mahan. Also, a “special” friend Pete Harris.

Precious memories of her beautiful life and legacy will forever be cherished in the hearts of her two children: Kimberly Mahan, Bearden, Arkansas; Kelvin White, Benton, Arkansas. Two brothers: Rev. Leon Parham, Sr. (Jean), Bearden, Arkansas; Elmor Parham (Doris), Bearden, Arkansas; one sister: Annette Mahan, Bearden, Arkansas; two grandchildren: Nykee Mahan, Sparkman, Arkansas; Nyrea Hughes, Arkadelphia, Arkansas; two bonus children: Latrese “Big Head” Mahan and Katrese “Lil Bit” Hammonds (Lynn) both of Bearden, Arkansas: two bonus siblings: David Juniel, Little Rock, Arkansas; Kathy Juniel, El Dorado, Arkansas; and a host of loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Submitted by the White Family.

Public visitation will be Friday, February 11, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home Van Buren. Services will be held graveside at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at New White Springs Cemetery with Dr. Leon Parham, Sr., eulogist.

Pallbearers will be Larry Moore, Jae-Kur Lockhart, Reggie Craig, Corey Craig, Deacon Leon Parham, Jr., and Eric Shields. Honorable to mention are Deacon Grover Newton, David Hall, Deacon John Collins, Pete Mays, Deacons Buster Dawn, Jr., Justin Owens, Dexter Cannedy, and Vernon Hall.