MATTIE MARGARET LAWLEY-RISER was born March 19, 1920 in Stanford, Louisiana. She was one of twelve children born to the union of Mack and Valena Lawley. She accepted Christ at a young age and was a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church.
While in Louisiana, Mattie met the love of her life, Thomas C. Riser. They were united in marriage on September 23, 1939. Their union was blessed with five daughters who were all born in their home state; Margaret, Erma, Ethel, Joyce and Helen. In 1951, The Riser family moved to San Diego, California. In 1958, they gave birth to their only son, Charlie.
Mattie and her family united with Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in 1955 under the leadership of the late Dr. C. Johnson and continued under Dr. J. Lenzie Whitmill. She serve faithful in the choir for numerous years and made many other contributions to the church over the past sixty-two years. A big part of her life was her commitment to the church and Christ.
Mattie was an excellent mother, who worked hard, along with her husband, to provide a good living for her family. She always made sure they had everything that they needed. As a seamstress, she would often make her children’s clothes, all while working a fulltime job. She often told her family to work hard and trust God and the rest will fall into place. She adored her grandchildren, whom some she also helped raise. After retiring, Mattie, who was always there for her family, embraced and enjoyed quality time spent with her children and grandchildren.
Mattie was known to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-greatgrandchildren as “Nana”, which means Grace. She will be lovingly remembered for her grace, humility and honor. Mattie will forever hold a special place in the hearts of her loved ones, who will cherish the memory of her and remember her smile. We release her now in peace with unconditional love.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of sixty-seven years, Thomas Riser, her only son, Charlie; daughter, Margaret; both of her parents; four sisters and four brothers.
Mattie Margaret Lawley-Riser departed this life on Friday, July 28, 2017. She leave to cherish her loving memory her four daughters, Erma Smith (Victor) Ethel Young (Charles) Joyce Baker (Howard) and Helen Calhoun (J’Eddie); two sisters, Vera and Lealer; fourteen grandchildren, thirty great grandchildren, seven great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends who will mourn her passing, yet celebrate her long and full life. She will be missed dearly.
Memorial services were held Monday, August 7, 2017 at Anderson-Ragsdale Mortuary, Memory Chapel. Inurnment at Greenwood Memorial Park.
