Mattie Jane Brown was born on March 16, 1943, in Remy, Arkansas, to the union of Thomas and Ollierene Doss. She was lovingly named after her great-aunt, Mattie Qualls, affectionately known as “Ain’t Mat.” From the very beginning, her life was rooted in legacy, family, and love.

In her early years, Mattie and her family relocated to Santa Monica, California, where she attended Lincoln Junior High School. In 1958, the family made their home in Pacoima, which was then a small but growing community in the San Fernando Valley. It was there that Mattie graduated from San Fernando High School and attended Los Angeles Valley College, carrying with her a quiet strength and creative spirit that would define her life.

Mattie had a love for painting and shopping, and though many may not have known it, she was a gifted artist. Her creativity was often private; expressed quietly, but it was deeply personal and meaningful.

On January 2, 1966, Mattie married her childhood best friend Frederick E. Brown. Their union was one of devotion and partnership, spanning sixty beautiful years. They were inseparable partners, always affectionately known as “Fred and Mattie.” Together, they raised four children; Kim Renay, Kevin, Kenneth, and Kristian, the four “K’s.” Her love for her children was unwavering, intentional, and unconditional.

After retiring from Kaiser Permanente, Mattie devoted her time to what mattered most: family, faith, and personal growth.

A God-fearing woman, Mattie was deeply committed to Parks Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. She served faithfully for many years as a Sunday School Teacher and later promoted to Superintendent. Her heart for young people was evident as she helped lead Easter and Christmas productions, and Vacation Bible School. She was a dedicated Missionary, Class Leader, and a member of the church choir. Mattie not only encouraged others to grow spiritually, but she lovingly and sometimes boldly VOLUNTEERED not just herself, but OTHERS as well, believing that service was a shared calling.

Mattie was also profoundly proud of her culture and heritage. Together, she and Frederick ensured their children understood Black history and the powerful contributions of Black people to society. The family visited Allensworth, the historic town founded, financed, and governed by Black people before it was destroyed by racism. They taught their children about the Buffalo Soldiers and the Tuskegee Airmen, instilling pride, awareness, and purpose that would carry on for generations.

Mattie’s love and cherished memory lives on in her devoted husband, Frederick “Freddy” Brown; her children Kim (Kevin T.), Kevin, Kenneth (Kate), and Kristian; and her ten beloved grandchildren—Demetri, Jay, Jasmyne (Kevin), Jordyn (Kat), Kale, Devynn, Jylian (John), Krystal, Kennedy, and Kiara. She was further blessed with three great-grandchildren—Sydney, Logan, and Blair.