Mattie L. Hanson

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

If tomorrow starts without me, and I’m not here to see, If the sun should rise you find your eyes all filled with tears for me; I wish so much you wouldn’t cry the way you did today, While thinking of the many things we didn’t get to say. I know how much you love me, as much as I love you And each time that you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too. But when tomorrow starts without me please try to understand, That an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand. He said my place was ready, in heaven far above And that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But as I turned and walked away a tear fell from my eye. For all my life I’d always thought, I didn’t want to die. I had so much to live for, so much left yet to do. It seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays the good ones and the bad. I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while, I’d say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see you smile. But then I fully realized that this could never be, For emptiness and memories would take the place of me. When I thought of worldly things I might miss come tomorrow I thought of you and when I did my heart was filled with sorrow. When I walked through heavens gates I felt so much at home. God looked down and smiled at me from his great golden throne He said, “This is eternity and all I’ve promised you” Today your life on earth has passed but here life starts anew. I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last And since each day is the same there’s no longing for the past. You have been so faithful so trusting and so true. Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn’t do. You have been forgiven and now at last you’re free. So won’t you come and take my hand and share my life with me? So when tomorrow starts without me don’t think we’re far apart, For every time you think of me, I’m right here in your heart.

With Sincere Gratitude

Thank you for your kind expressions of sympathy. The love you have shown has given us great comfort during this difficult time. It is deeply appreciated and will forever be remembered.

Williams Funeral Home

Her Life Story

MRS. MATTIE L. BROWN-HANSON peacefully surrendered to the Lord in her sleep on January 30, 2023, at her residence, she was 82 years old. Mattie was born in Augusta, GA on January 12, 1941, to the late Mr. Grady L. Brown and Mrs. LaVessie Wilkins-Brown.

She was educated in Richmond County Public Schools and attended the historic Lucy C. Laney Comprehensive High School, where she took an interest in rhythmic gymnastics as a majorette. She was often selected to perform as lead majorette in many of the school’s parades and ceremonies. Having a zest and an appreciation for life and relationships, Mattie enjoyed fishing and spending time with friends and family. She later became wife to the late Willie James Brown, Sr., with whom she began her family. She later relocated to NJ where she developed lifelong friendships. She hosted many house parties as a way to create good moments with good people. Mattie understood that good relationships and how you treat people was more valuable than gold. Determined to complete her high school studies while setting an important example for her children, Mattie graduated from East Orange High School in 1977.

With an interest in fashion and fine clothing, Mattie modeled for several years, becoming a favorite at many local fashion shows. Shortly therefter, she had given birth to her sixth child. Her children made up the entirety of her world (Willie, Beverly, Leon, Wanda, Edwina, with the youngest being, Erik.) In 1984, Mattie became a member of Peaceful Zion Baptist Church in East Orange, NJ, where she found her calling as a choir singer for the Lord. She then pursued a career in caring for the sick and the elderly and received her certification as a professional caregiver. In 1992 she relocated back to her hometown of Augusta to be closer to her ailing father.

In 1996, she remarried her late husband, Walter Hanson, Jr., and shortly after she retired from her career to care more for her ailing uncle, the late Milton Brown, Sr.

Life Story cont...

Mattie spent the remainder of her life doing the things she enjoyed. Being a member of Faith Temple Baptist Church during this time, she served as a choir member and was later elected as Mother of the Church for many years.

Mattie then moved on to become a member of the Historic Spirit Creek Baptist Church in Augusta, GA, where she also chose to serve the Lord in song as a choir member, helping to uphold the legacy of her African American Ancestors from as far back as the early 1800s.

Mattie was also a longtime, loyal member of her favorite hang out spot: Henry Brigham Community Center, where she reserved time out of her day to share quality time with friends around exercise as well as other wellness activities.”

She was preceded in death by: her loving husband, Mr. Walter Hanson, Jr.; two sons, Mr. Willie J. Brown and Mr. Leon T. Johnson; daughter, Ms. Beverly D. Brown; father, Mr. Grady L. Brown, Sr.; second mother, Mrs. Fannie W. Brown; two brothers, Mr. Grady Brown, Jr., and Mr. Ralph Brown; two sisters, Mrs. Agnes J. “Shirley” Morris and Mrs. Laverne Lileen White.

She leaves to cherish her memory: two daughters, Wanda R. Johnson of Gouldsboro, PA and Edwina Brown (Octavia Evans) of Hensley, AR; son, Erik D. Brown of Augusta, GA; three sisters, Betty J. Duncan of Columbia, SC, Rose M. Wideman of Augusta, GA and Rosa M. (William) Tilton of Martinez, GA; three brothers, George M. Brown, Lloyd W. Brown and Ronnie C. Brown of Augusta, GA; aunt, Mrs. Marie W. Dunbar; goddaughter, Vonceil Butler; thirteen grandchildren, all of whom affectionately call her “Grandma Peach,” twenty great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; several beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as a host of other relatives and devoted friends.

Order ofService

PRESIDING

Reverend Ellis A. Godbee, Jr.

PROCESSIONAL “I’ll Fly Away”

SCRIPTURES

Old Testament, Pastor Mary Duncan New Testament, Reverend Cleo Mosely Lewis

PRAYER

Elder Brenda Duncan-Surgeon

SOLO

Minister Jennifer Harris

POEM

Keeya Eskridge

“Not A Care In The World”

REFLECTIONS (Two Minutes Please)

Reverend Mark Harris, Sr.

Rose Maxine Brown

Farell Harris

OBITUARY

Read Silently

SOLO

“I Love You Lord Today”

EULOGY

Reverend Dr. Albert Duncan

RECESSIONAL INTERMENT

Mount Olive Memorial Gardens

3666 Deans Bridge Road | Hephzibah, GA

REPAST

Spirit Creek Baptist Church

Fellowship Hall