Mattie Frances Adkisson-Copeland

Mattie Frances Adkisson was born in Trezevant, Tennessee on December 28, 1936. She was the 9th of ten children of Dink and Essie Adkisson. Her siblings were Dink Louis, James, Daisy, Bessie, Mary Jo, Georgia, Azell, Cora, and HB. Mattie grew up in Trezevant as a determined young lady with a thirst for knowledge in the segregated South. She professed faith in God at an early age. After High School she met Harry James Anderson, Sr. who would eventually become her husband. To this union were born two children, Ruby Frances Hillsman and Harry James Anderson, Jr. Mattie was very active in the community, and worked at Wilker Brothers until they closed at which time she became a full time homemaker. Her children and family were always a priority. She was an active member at Johnson Temple CME church where the family worshipped. Later, her husband Harry would accept the Lord’s call to ministry at Olivet Baptist Church, followed by New Reedy Creek Baptist Church until his death. Matie served as a dutiful wife and first lady in service to the church. Harry became ill and passed away in the spring of 1984 at the young age of 54. Seven years following Harry’s death, Mattie met Charles Copeland. They married in 1991 and remained so until her life’s work came to complete on on March 5, 2023. Mom, Momma, Sister, Wife, and Grammie! She set a high standard every day that is hard to match!

She leaves behind her husband Charles, daughter Ruby ( Kenneth, Sr.), son Harry Jr. (Genita), Grandsons Christopher, Alexander(Dydine), Kenneth Hillsman Jr. (Brittany) Granddaughters, Kimberly (Jamar), Krystal, Great-Grandchildren, Parvati, Milton, and a host of Nieces and Nephews and extended family and friends who will miss her dearly.