Marie G. Mattison, 97, of Columbus, MS, passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Trinity Health Care in Columbus, MS.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Fairview Baptist Church in Columbus, MS. The service will follow at Fairview beginning at 11:00 AM, with Bro. Sammy Crawford and Bro. Tommy Gillion officiating. Lowndes Funeral Home is entrusted with all arrangements.

Marie "Re" Mattison was the epitome of hospitality, generosity, and love. Her home was always open, her table beautifully set, and her legendary meals were a testament to her care for family and community. Re gave not from abundance but from her heart, often sacrificing her own comfort to ensure others were cared for. Her gifts extended far beyond food or material things—she gave her time, wisdom, and endless compassion.

Re shared a deep and enduring love with her husband, J.B. Mattison. Though widowed after 37 years of marriage, she spent the rest of her life serving her faith, family, church, and community. Her love transcended life, shaping her into a remarkable woman whose legacy lives on.

A proud military wife and mother, Re supported her loved ones' service with unwavering pride. Her patriotism was matched by her devotion to Fairview Baptist Church, where she served faithfully for over 60 years.

Born into a large family to the late James P. Gates and Myrtle Morgan Gates, Re was one of twelve children. She cherished her Gates heritage and spoke fondly of her "Papa," her brothers and sisters, and the life they enjoyed in Springhill, Alabama. The Gates family included her brothers: Elmer Gates, Edgar Gates, Lafayette Gates, Henry Gates, Clarence Gates, Owen Gates, and Earl Gates, as well as her sisters: Sadye Poindexter, Louise Morgan Bain, Catherine Southerland, and Doris Foley.

Above all, Re was a mother in every sense—nurturing, guiding, and loving not just her own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren but anyone who crossed her path. Even after losing her beloved J.B., she carried his memory with grace and resilience, teaching us about the timeless nature of true love.

As we say goodbye, let us celebrate Re's incredible life with gratitude. Her faith, generosity, hospitality, and warmth will continue to inspire us all. May we strive to live as she did—loving deeply, cherishing each moment, and leaving the world better than we found it.

Re is preceded in death by her husband, Jesse B. Mattison Jr., her brothers and sisters, one grandchild, Nathan Mann, and her daughter-in-law, Mary Susan Mattison.

She is survived by her son, Richard Mattison; daughters, Belinda (Tim) Knight and Rebecca (Michael) Hinton; Bryan (Alice) Mattison; grandchildren: James (Jennifer) Knight, Amy (Daryl) Ming, Heather Knight, Bryan (Suzanne) Mattison, Kyle (Maegan) Mattison, Jordan Mattison, Jessica (Kenneth) Ossont, David (Hope Thompson) Mattison, and Julie (Randy) Marker; 19 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Springhill Baptist Church, ℅ Donna Bain, 956 Stinson Road, Carrollton, AL 35447, or to the charity of your choice.