Mother Mattie Pounds was born June 25, 1929 to the late Henry and Leola Middlebrooks in Bradley, GA, the sixth of seven child-ren. She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, William Howard Middlebrooks, Samuel Middlebrooks, Lillie Miller, Bud Middlebrooks and Lula Robertson.
Mother Pounds received her early education in Twiggs County Public Schools, in Bradley, GA. She was united in Holy Matrimony to Johnny Lee Pounds in June, 1952 and to this union, two children were born: Carlton Charles Pounds and Gloristene Pounds. After relocating to Cincinnati, OH in 1958, Gary Pounds and Glennis Pounds were born.
In June, 1963, Mother Mattie Pounds was baptized in Jesus Name and received the gift of the Holy Ghost under the Pastorate of the late Bishop Elzie W. Young. She maintained her membership under the late Bishop Johnnie L. Johnson and presently under Bishop James Chapman. She was a very faithful and dedicated member of Bethlehem Temple and served in several auxiliaries down through the years. She was a member of the Sunday School Depart-ment, Missionary, the Great Morning Choir, Prayer Band, Pastor?s Aide, Baptism Committee, Tarrying Committee, Sick Committee, Pastor?s Appreciation Steering Committee and Kitchen Committee, especially during the PCAF National Conventions and the Tri-State Councils. Mother Pounds was appointed to the Mother?s Board by Bishop James Chapman in 2005 and remained faithful in that position until her passing. Mother was a true example of a godly Woman and loved Jesus with all her heart, soul, mind and strength. She always offered kind words of encouragement to all that she came in contact with and had an infectious smile. She was a person who worked at whatever her hands found to do in the church and was an inspiration to many of the church members.
Mother Pounds had a long career as a loving and caring Child Care Provider from 1971 to 2010 when her health began to fail. She was an exceptional help to many of the saints as she cared for their children so they could work and maintain their vocations.
Mother Pounds leaves to cherish fond memories: her children, Carlton Pounds, Gloristene Pounds, Gary Pounds and Glennis Pounds; one sister, Betsy White; 10 grandchildren, Tamecka and Tanecka St. Clair, Javin, Terrell and Gabriel Pounds, Aaron Little, Ashley Fluker, Crystal and Diamond Pounds and LaDaris Gaines; eight great-grandchildren, Danaisha, Makyra and Ni?Jhaya St. Clair, Jayvion Pounds, King Ricky and Bwrilyant Goodwin, Tymira Fluker and Wabuski Brook Pounds; a special niece, Gwendolyn Middlebrooks Prewitt of Conley, GA; and a host of nieces, neph-ews, other relatives, saints and friends, along with the Greater Bethlehem Temple Church Family.