Mattie Aven Gilless was born December 5,1931, in Dundee, MS, the fourth of four children born to C.W. and Vera Aven.

Growing up on her daddy's cotton farm afforded a lot of activity, but her favorite pastime was playing dolls with Martha Sue, her sibling one year older. Although the Avens remained a strong family, Mattie experienced the loss of two siblings at a young age. She and her remaining sister, Lorene, often recounted memories of them.

After graduation from Tunica High School, Mattie attended secretarial school. She was employed by a local physician in Tunica, MS, until her marriage to George N. Fox in 1952. She and George were married thirteen years and have two daughters, Pamela Cherry (David) of Germantown, TN and Georgia Anne Haley (Kevin) of Eads, TN.

In 1965, Mattie married her life-long love, Alton Gilless, who preceded her in death in 2004, after thirty-nine years of marriage. Their daughter, Kimberly Slate (Carl), of Collierville, TN, was born in 1967.

While primarily a homemaker, Mattie also earned her realtor license while serving as president of the ladies Kiwanis club of Whitehaven, TN, in 1972-73. Once an empty-nester, she sought part time, temporary employment with Delta Surgical in an order-entry position. She retired from that "temporary" job in 2000.

Mattie loved the Lord and was a faithful member of Bellevue Baptist Church. She completed five years with Bible Study Fellowship and then became a teacher for the children of BSF participants. Little did her students know, she had already practiced teaching their lesson to her two poodles each week.

Granny, as she is affectionately called, loved it most when all her family was together. Many sweet memories were made at the home she and Alton enjoyed in Heber Springs, AR, but Christmas Eve at their Memphis home was everyone's favorite! If family time could include music and dancing, even better for Granny and Grandaddy!

In addition to her daughters, Mattie leaves several grand and great-grand children to cherish her memories: Her grandchildren include Michael Cherry of Mphs, TN; Kimberly Forsythe (Jonathan) of Atlanta, GA; Karla Himebook(Peter) of Mphs, TN; Leslianne Newberry (Tyler) of Houston, TX; Hunter Haley of Mphs; Dustin Echols (Haylea) of Mphs; Casey Gardenhire (Trell) of Chattanooga; and Carly Slate of Chattanooga.

Mattie's great-grandchildren are Michelle, Andy and Maggie Himebook; Aaron and Katherine Forsythe; Aevyn, Stone and Banner Newberry; Emerson and Rylin Echols and Max Gardenhire.

To all who knew her, Mattie was ever bright and sunny. Although Alzheimer's stole her memory in later years, it could not diminish her grateful, sweet-as-pie disposition, to which all her caregivers would testify.

Granny's family would like to thank "Ruby," Mom's private caregiver of several years for her faithful, attentive care. We also wish to express our sincere appreciation for the excellent care she received at CIEL Senior Living Memory Care where she resided in recent years. You treated her with such respect and gentleness, and she loved you all.

A graveside service is planned for Friday, March 28th, at 2pm, Forest Hill South Cemetery.

Mattie's family graciously requests any memorials be made to the Alzheimer's Association.