Mrs. Mattie Frances Bolden Malone was born Saturday, November 28, 1914.  She was the seventh child born to the union of James and Lydia (Fair) Bolden on the family farm in Starkville, Mississippi.  Her siblings:  Mary Alice Rice Hodges, Joseph Bolden, Daniel Bolden, Peter Bolden, Essie Parker, Inell Bolden, and Susie Ann Kyle, all preceded her in death.

Mattie's parents believed the move from Mississippi to the North would provide better opportunities for their children.  Her father traveled to Illinois to look for work, gained employment, and sent for his family.  The Bolden family travelled by train and settled in East Saint Louis, IL in 1921.  Shortly afterwards, they became members of St. Paul Baptist Church where the Rev. John DeShields was pastor.

Mattie was enrolled at Garfield Elementary School where Mr. Martin Van Lucas was principal.  She was eager to learn and excelled in her studies.  Mattie was taught by Miss Emily Willis in first grade, who she never forgot.

Lincoln High School was the next educational institution she attended.  Her principal was Mr. John Wesley Hughes.  She cherished her teachers, among whom were Ms. Imogene Wilson and Governor Quinn.  Mattie remained an excellent student throughout high school.  On June 9, 1933, Mattie graduated as valedictorian of her class.  Unfortunately, her mother died shortly before she graduated.  Her brother stepped in to help out by working extra hours to purchase a beautiful dress which was worn during her valedictory speech. The emotions she felt at that time remained with her forever.

After graduation, Mattie was employed by School District 189 in the Adult Education Program as a shorthand teacher.  She also worked as a clerk for the Illinois Department of Public Aid.  At this time, she began courting her neighbor, Louis Malone.

In 1934, Mattie and Louis were united in holy matrimony and eventually became the proud parents of twelve children.   During the children's formative years, Mattie was the family's spiritual and educational leader.  She never stopped teaching her children life lessons: (Christian values, academics, family loyalties, perseverance, and how to be heard, respected and forceful without losing  self-control). All twelve children graduated from Lincoln Senior High School, attended college, and several have graduate degrees.

Mattie worked diligently in her church and community.  In the 1940's, she registered citizens for the Sugar Ration Committee during WWII.  In the 1960's, she was a member of the CAPS program.  Mattie demonstrated her leadership skills by spearheading a hot lunch program at Washington Elementary School.  While serving as PTA President, Washington Elementary received its first playground equipment.

Mrs. Malone was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church for 97 years.  She served on several auxiliaries, acting as President of the Mothers' Board, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Usher Board, Choirs, Missionary Society, and Benevolent Committee.

Numerous awards adorned Mattie's walls.  A few that were precious to her are as follows:  The Illinois Office of Education (1975), The Delta Sigma Theta Family Life Award, Home Study Club Award (1988), National Council of Negro Women Black Family Reunion Award (1989), St. Paul Homecoming Award for Loyalty and Dedicated Service (1996), Lincoln Sr. High School Class of 1998 Tigerette Award, and Lutheran North High School Class of 1999 Grandparent's Day Award.

In the 1980's, Mattie attended State Community College where she excelled and made the Dean's List.

Mattie exuded a quiet, yet strong spirit, which was demonstrated in her loving care of her father, sister, and husband during their illnesses.  She was kind and generous to all she met.  Mattie helped all she could and had a kind word for most.

God wove into Mattie's life His power and love!  His hands were on her through all the obstacles and He promised her the victory!  She believed that "No weapon formed against her would prosper!"  Mattie was truly a virtuous woman who deserved all the praise and recognition she garnered throughout her life.

Mattie Bolden Malone departed this life peacefully in her sleep at her own home on Thursday, December 12, 2019.  Her beloved husband of 45 years, Louis; three sons: Louis, Charles, and Richard; one daughter: Patricia; and one grandson: Tony Malone, all preceded her in death.

Leaving to cherish her memory are three sons; James Malone, Paul Malone (Elizabeth), and Michael Malone; five daughters; Mary Blackburn (Charles), Carole Malone, Ruth Carr-Townsend, Valerie Bergman (Bruce), and Cheri Malone-Gaston; 28 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.