Mattie Wills

Mattie May Wills (nee Wilcox) was born on February 13, 1927 in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Willie Lee and Laura (Dykes) Wilcox. The second oldest of seven children she was preceded in death by her sister Mary Lue, and brothers Edward, William, and Eddie Wilcox. She entered eternal rest on Thursday, October 31, 2024.

Mattie was educated in the Cincinnati Public Schools system. On May 11, 1946 she united in holy matrimony to Alphonso Wills Sr, who proceeded her in death. To this union four children were born.

Mattie accepted Christ at an early age, and became a member of the New Prospect Baptist Church. She was baptized by the late Pastor William Ferrell. She was a youth advisor, worked on the kitchen committee, and a member of the Inspirational and Mass Choirs. She sang soprano for many years and even lead the song, This morning when I rose. Prior to her passing she was the oldest living member of the NPBC family.

Outside from being an amazing wife and mother, Mattie only worked two jobs throughout her life. First, at Mary Manufacturing Toy Company on the assembly line where she was faster than the machine. Secondly in private family for late Eugene and Margaret Geier for many many years. The Geier’s were her second family and they had lots of love for each other.

Mattie had a love and passion for cooking. You could always find her cooking something or just in the kitchen in general. She always made sure everyone ate, and would take offense if you said you didn’t want anything. You also always left her presence with a plate of something even if it was just dessert. Some of her favorite foods were chicken, dressing, candied yams, sweet potato pie, and pound cake just to name a few. She also loved fruit, especially watermelon, grapes and apples, milky ways and Cheetos puffs. She was comical and always said whatever came to mind as well as the truth.

Mattie absolutely loved her children and grandchildren. When it came to her great-grands she was in heaven. She also loved her church and her Pastor whom she affectionately referred to as “Son”. She had a very sweet spirit, a big heart, and bubbly personality. She never met a stranger and always left a lasting impression on anyone she came in contact with.

Mattie leaves to cherish her precious memory her children Alphonso Wills Jr, Laura Andrew (Thomas), Eugene Wills, and Sherma Wills. Grandchildren Kevin, Natasha, Derrick, LaKeysha, Steffan Sr., Andrae’(Elisa) and Christian. Great Grandchildren Zhi’Ayer, Steffan Jr, Alana, Adrian, Zayah, Brooklyn, Chase, and Sebastian. Sister Mildred Hampton, Brother Albert Wilcox, Sister-in-law Jerlean Wilcox. Special nieces Chardella Ingram and Twinetta Lee. Adopted daughter Lillian Lee. Adopted granddaughter Stephanie Cooley, longtime friends Betty Watts, Levora Hudson, and Rosemary Pickett, along with a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Mattie Wills, please visit our Tribute Store.