Mattie White

On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, Mattie Joyce White ascended peacefully to the eternal realm surrounded by her family at her home in Jefferson, Georgia. She was 86. Mrs. White (Mattie Joyce Hardy) entered the world on May 3, 1938, one of nine children born to parents Ralph and Mattie (Burgess) Hardy in Jefferson, Georgia. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Annie Catherine (Hardy) Moon and Ruby Jean (Hardy) Danner; and one brother, Ralph Edgar Hardy.

A lifelong Jefferson resident, Mrs. White is a member of the Bryan High School Class of 1957. She worked diligently in the poultry processing industry, reaching the position of trainer and supervisor before retiring in 2001 with many professional accolades.

Mrs. White dedicated her life in service to her family and the New Salem Baptist Church. A founding member of the church’s E. T. Smith Senior Choir, she served faithfully as lead soprano for more than 60 years, and as choir president for more than 20 years. Mrs. White also served as a church deaconess for 25 years.

She is survived by her husband, Deacon Saul White, Jr.; her two daughters, Adrian Bailey Carver (Darryl) and Sande Bailey-Gwinn (Macon), one sister, Pearl Hardy Kinney (Clarence); three brothers, Thomas Hardy (Linda), John A. Hardy, and Kelvin Hardy; five grandchildren, Marcus Carver, Alysia Simmons, Darious Carver (Ceirra), Grabriella Robbins and Michel Robbins; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.