Mattie Frances Martin Hickerson was born at her home in rural Wayne County, TN a blessing to the home and union of her parents the late Mr. Mahon Martin and Mrs. Mary Newborn Martin. Mrs. Mattie attended school in Collinwood graduating from Collinwood High School with the class of 1970. Throughout her occupational years, she would work for several different companies in different capacities. She spent many years working for the Angelica Manufacturing in Collinwood also for chicken houses. However, her natural compassionate and caring nature would lead her to a position with Waynesboro Health and Rehabilitation in housekeeping.
She would meet her husband Mr. Earl Gene Hickerson and the two would wed on March 11, 1983 forever intertwining their hearts, lives and families. The new family would make Collinwood their home raising their children with the same Christian values that reflected her upbringing. The two would remain married until his passing on December 18, 1998.
She was always mindful of her Lord and attended the Burns Chapel Freewill Baptist Church in Iron City, TN. In her leisure time she could be found tending her flower garden, keeping her home impeccably clean, shopping at thrift stores, listening to gospel music and watching her grandchildren play sports; but she held no other duty closest to her heart than the moments she could care for her family. Holidays and other special occasions cooking for those she loved was one of her many gifts she shared with her family and loved ones.
To those who knew her best she will be remembered as a hardworking, Christian mother, grandmother and friend.
Mrs. Mattie Frances Martin Hickerson passed from this life at the Madison County General in Jackson, TN making her stay on this earth some 75 years and 11 months.
Those left to cherish her memory include her sons Ronnie Bray (Melissa) of Iron City and John Bray of Collinwood; grandchildren Jenson Bray, Danlee Bray, Barrett Bray and special grandchildren Keithen Risner and Talon Columbia; siblings include Ann Lineberry, Helen Daniel, Nell Daniel, Nettie Sanderson, Tom Martin and Robert Martin, as well as a host of nieces and nephews, other family members and loved ones
In addition to her parents and husband she is preceded in death by her grandson Brayson Bray, daughter in law Jennifer Bray; siblings Betty Martin, Hetty Roberts and James Martin
Visitation with the Hickerson family will begin Tuesday October 06, 2026 at 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm and again on Wednesday October 07, 2026 beginning at 11:00 am till 2:00 pm; funeral services will begin at 2:00 pm with Edward Burbank and Greg Eaton officiating all held at the Bates-Love Funeral and Cremation, LLC Chapel in Waynesboro, TN.. Burial will follow in Collinwood Memorial Gardens.
