Mattie Joyce Kendall

Mattie Joyce Kendall, age 83 of Dallas, Georgia, affectionately known as "Mama" answered the call to be with the LORD and quietly slipped away at WellStar Paulding County Nursing Center located in Dallas, Georgia on Wednesday, October 19, 2016.

Mattie Joyce was born on March 12, 1933 in Savannah, Tennessee and was the seventh of eleven siblings of Robert Lee Stephens and Earlene Stephens.

While growing up in Savannah, Tennessee Mattie Joyce received Christ at an early age. Mattie Joyce was united in holy matrimony to Bobby G. Kendall on August 18, 1950 in Corinth, Mississippi and seven children were born to this union. Mattie Joyce and family relocated to Gary, Indiana in the early fifties and here, "Mama" was a dedicated mother and housewife and rededicated herself and family to Christ. She became a member of "Open Door Church of God, Refuge in Christ" under the pastorship of the late M.C. Bennett.

Family meant a lot to "Mama" and she always opened her door to family members who relocated to Gary to start a new life. "Mama" was a beautiful woman, not just to look at, but beautiful INISIDE and OUT. She had a friendly demeanor and humble spirit. "Mama" was also a very caring person with a KIND heart.

AND the food! "Mama" was an excellent cook and was known throughout the neighborhood for her Fried Chicken, Banana Pudding, and Caramel Cake!

"Mama" was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband, Bobby G. Kendall, Sr.; son, Johnny Eric Kendall; sisters, Anne Jo, Maxine, and Dorothy; and one brother, Robert Lee.

"Mama" is survived by six children: daughter, Deborah Day of Crystal, Minnesota; daughter, Elaine (Bobby Davis) of Columbus, Georgia; son, Bobby G. Kendall, Jr. (Chief) and (very devoted daughter-in-law, Deborah) of Dallas, Georgia; daughter, Celeste McCrimon of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota; son, Ralph David Kendall of Stone Mountain, Georgia; daughter, Mary Kendall (James Morrow) of Apple Valley, Minnesota; 18 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; three sisters, Martha, Doris, and Barbara; three brothers, Franklin, Roger, and Mark; and a host of nieces, nephews and a number of other relatives, and friends.

The family gratefully acknowledges with deep appreciation the WellStar Paulding Nursing Center C-Station for all their hard work, dedication, care, and love they gave to our "Mama" for the past ten years. Also, words cannot express our gratitude to everyone for all the kind expressions of love extended in prayer, thought and deed. May the LORD continue to bless each and every one of you!

Arrangements were provided by Shackelford Funeral Directors, Hopewell Baptist Church, and Living Word Fellowship Church.