Mattie Wyatt Smith

Mattie Wyatt Smith departed this life on Monday, October 6, 2025. Mattie was born on March 17, 1945, in South Boston, Virginia, to the late Julia Walls Wyatt Ross. She was raised in South Boston, where she attended and graduated from Mary Bethune High School.

Following high school, Mattie moved to Washington, D.C., alongside her beloved brother, Freddie Wyatt. Shortly thereafter, she married the love of her life, James A. Smith (Jimmy), also from South Boston, Virginia. Out of that union, the sons James A. Smith (Jay) and Jeffrey Smith were born.

Mattie's passion for helping others led her to pursue higher education at the University of the District of Columbia, where she completed her degree in Nursing. Through hard work and determination, she successfully passed the State Nursing Examination and began a long and fulfilling career caring for those in need. Mattie was known for her gentle spirit, professionalism, and the compassion she extended to every patient she encountered. She worked at several hospitals in the area, Greater Southeast, (Kafritz) Howard University Hospital, and Washington Hospital Center.

Beyond her career, Mattie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister ,and friend. She had a nurturing heart and took great pride in her family. She really enjoyed her Walls Family Reunions where she showed laughter, love, danced (How low can you go!) and good cooking, especially her potato salad.

Mattie's faith was a guiding force in her life. Mattie received Jesus Christ at an early age at First Baptist Church of South Boston, Virginia. She was an active and faithful member (35) at Antioch Baptist Church, where she served with several ministries, but loved the Hospitality Committee. Whether she was helping in ministry, encouraging others, or simply offering a kind word, Mattie's love for God shined through everything she did.

She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling back to her hometown of South Boston to visit loved ones, and celebrating life's simple joys. Her beautiful smile and kind spirit touched everyone she met.

Mattie leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, strength, and faith. She will be remembered for her unwavering kindness, her generosity, and her ability to bring comfort and joy to those around her.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Julia Walls Wyatt Ross, and her beloved husband, James A. Smith, and son James A.K. Smith, Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving family, son Jeffrey Smith (Robyn), Grandchildren James A. Smith, III, (lil J) Simone Smith Statham (Kal-El), Najma Smith, and Candace Lane, great-grandchildren Cinco Statham and Seven Smith, Brothers Freddie Wyatt (Betty), Willie Wyatt, Thomas Wyatt, Frances Wyatt, and Walter Ross, two sisters Ella Mae Medley, and Julia Murray. Special nephew Shannon Smith, other nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and a host of devoted friends. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit will live on forever in the hearts of those she touched.