Our beloved Mattie Jewel Neal was born in Houston, Texas on November 13, 1939. Raised in Richmond, Texas she attended grade school and graduated from THE illustrious A.W. Jackson High School. The family later returned to Houston where she attended East Macedonia Baptist Church under fellowship of the late Rev. Britain. Mattie later joined Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church under the leadership of the late great Pastor Emeritus Gusta Booker, Jr, as a faithful member and tenor of the Celestial Voices and Women's choirs, until her health failed. Also, she was a matron of the Drill Team, worked with the Angelic Voices and Gents of GSM.

Mattie was employed as a sales representative with Everett Bulows for many years and later retired from Foley's. "Mama Mattie" as she was affectionately known, was a pillar of the community; everyone looked up to her and she loved them as her own.

Mattie is preceded in death by her father (LeaRoy Neal), mother (Willie Lee Neal); sisters (Earnestine Miller and Mable Thompson); brothers (Leroy Neal, Charles F. Neal, and Oscar Neal); children (Anthony, Angie, and Albert "Bear"); and great grandson (Christian).

Mattie leaves to cherish her memories: a loving husband of 55 years, Charles Lee Smith; Children: Evelyn (Lavon), Erma (Thomas), Pamela (Albert), Avery (Chasidy), Robert (Tonia), and Wendell. Fifteen grandchildren, thirty-nine great grandchildren, one great-great grandson, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.