Born July 30, 1944 in Bedias, Texas, Mattie Jewel was the first child – a true blessing from God to her parents, Harry Lee James and Lallie West James. Mattie accepted Christ as Savior at an early age and was baptized at Greater Barbour’s Chapel Baptist Church in Texas City, Texas under the Pastoral leadership of the late Rev. J.H. Scott, Sr. Mattie remained an active, dedicated member and served with the Usher Ministry for several decades. She later united with New Life Church of Texas, in Texas City, Texas, under the leadership of Founding Pastor, Rev. Andrew W. Berry, II.  Mattie was a proud 1962 graduate of Booker T. Washington in Texas City, Texas, where she represented her school as a triple threat – clarinet player, Drum Major and Miss Booker T. Washington in 1962.

     She united in marriage with L.J. James, Sr. and to their union was born her only child and her heartbeat, Roderick DeWayne James. Later, she married Shedrick Simon; both L.J. and Shedrick preceded her in death.

     Mattie’s professional career included working in Galveston and Harris County Independent School Districts - Texas City, La Marque and Clear Creek, Southwestern Bell and as a dispatcher with the Galveston County Sheriff’s Department. After retiring from Clear Creek Independent School District, she worked at Roy’s Car Salon in Texas City. Mattie was also a proud member of the Lakeview Court #262 Heroines of Jericho, Prince Hall Affiliation. 

     Mattie answered the call of God on Friday, February 28, 2025. She was preceded in death by her Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lee James; and Daughter-in-Love, Patricia “Trish” James.

     Left with everlasting legacy of love and precious memories are her Son, Roderick DeWayne James; Brothers, Jesse Lee James, Sr. (Geraldine) and Roy Edward James (Barbara); Grandchildren, Tiffany Fields, Julia Fields and Cameron Fields; Nieces, Rozalyn Denise James, Katina Lynn James and Rondia Yvette Williams; Nephews, LaDerrick James, Jesse James, Jr. (Brittaney), Lionel Frederick (Barneya) and Ken Myles; Goddaughter, Monica Jackson (Troy); Godson, Byron Randle and Extended Family Members – Lois Sherwood, the Simons, Damon Horn, Caryl Wilson and Janet Frater, and a host of other Relatives and Friends.