Mattie Lucille (Davis) Fountain

Mattie Lucille Davis Franklin

Mattie Lucille Davis Franklin was born on July 16, 1951, the eldest of four children born to Lawrence Davis and Lizzie Mae Robinson Davis. A native of Clarke County, AL, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior and served the Lord, faithfully and diligently, throughout her lifetime.

Mattie was educated in the public school systems of both Monroe and Clarke Counties. A self-made Entrepreneur, she owned her own Clothing Retail business.  She made her mark outfitting people in some of the finest clothes in the surrounding counties, specializing in women’s and men’s clothes, hats and purses. With personality and a personal touch, her spirit made her a success. Early in life she united with the Little Rock Baptist Church in Gosport, AL. She later moved her membership to the Morning Star Baptist Church in the Suggsville Community of Whatley, AL. There, she actively devoted herself to her Pastor and church family.  She was the Chairperson for the Pastor’s Aide Committee and a member of the Missionary Society.  She met and married George Felton Davis, Sr., and their union brought about the birth of five children and the loving upbringing of an additional three. She later reentered the Sanctity of Holy Matrimony with Lee Franklin.

Mattie Franklin was a selfless person. If she could help someone, feed someone or give something to someone, she would. Her heart was larger than the world. Every year for Christmas she made fruit baskets for the community. Her life motto was, “if I have it rough, there is always going to be someone who has it rougher than me.” It was that philosophy that motivated her giving spirit. She made the best cakes and was the “Matriarch” of her community.

In the evening hours of Sunday, July 15, 2018, the Lord saw fit to give her rest. She left behind her earthly woes; her sickness and her pain. She laid her head in the lap of her Savior and took her rest. She was preceded in death by her parents; four grandchildren: Shekeria, Jade, Antonio, Jr., and Alexis. She is survived by her husband: Lee Franklin of Whatley, AL; eight loved and devoted children: Lenora (Eric) Moore of Whatley, AL, Juanita (Gregory) Clark of Monroeville, AL, Sandra (Milton) Avery of Laurel, MD, Wilhelmina (Sheldon) Washington of Jackson, AL, George Davis, Jr.  of Gosport, AL, Antonio (Tyronda) Davis, Courtney (Chamelya) Davis and Andre Davis all of Gainesville, VA; one step son: Kelly Franklin of Seattle, WA; three devoted siblings: Lawrence (Rebecca) Davis, Jr. of Orlando, FL, Roy (Bettie) Davis of Birmingham, AL, and Bethel Davis of Gosport, AL; her father-in-love: Thomas (Ethel) Jones of Valley City, OH; three siblings-in-love: Gwendolyn Jones and Jen Jones both of Cleveland OH, Jeff Jones of Valley City, OH; twenty-four grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other loved relatives and many friends.