Mattie Toles

Mattie Jean James Moore Toles born on February 16, 1939, in Monticello, Georgia, was a woman of remarkable strength and resilience. Her life was a testament to the words of Helen Keller, "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." Mattie's life journey, from her modest beginnings in Monticello to her retirement years in Decatur, Georgia, was indeed a story of triumph over adversity.

Mattie's life was characterized by her indomitable spirit and courage. Despite the challenges that life threw at her, she faced them head on, never allowing her circumstances to define her. She was a testament to the truth of Booker T. Washington's words, "Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome."

A celebration of Mattie's life will be held at Donehoo-Lewis Funeral Home at 736 South Central Avenue, Hapeville, Georgia, on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 11:00am EDT.

As we remember Mattie, let us not dwell on her death, but celebrate her life and the strength of her spirit. Let us remember her as a woman who lived her life on her own terms, who refused to be defined by her challenges, and who leaves behind a legacy of resilience and determination. We encourage everyone to share their memories of Mattie and upload photos to her memorial page. In the words of Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Let us remember how Mattie made us feel, and in doing so, keep her spirit alive.