Mattie Ware

Mattie Ware was born July 12, 1924 to the late John H. and Mattie Johnson. Early in life Mattie
relocated to Bessemer, Alabama. She was educated in the Bessemer School System and a
graduate of Dunbar High School. Eager to have a church home, Mattie joined Sixth Avenue
Beulah Baptist Church and accepted Christ into her life. While she was a member there, she
served dutifully until she met and married the late Rev. Johnnie Ware. Mattie later changed her
church home to Bethel Baptist Church, Fifth Avenue where her husband was the pastor. She was
a proud member of the Matron’s Board and Pastor’s Wives Association. Her beautiful spirit and
loving nature made her a beacon on the hill. She impacted the lives of many from being a
listening ear or a shoulder to cry on, she always made you feel love. Mattie was a faithful
member of Bethel Baptist until she became ill.
Mattie was known to all as “Big Mama.” God blessed her with nine children, and she was
preceded in death by five: Willie Earl, Rodney, Larry, Lula Annette and Johnnie Michelle. Our
loving and sweet angel was called home on August 12, 2020; she heard the Master’s voice and
closed her eyes to go to her heavenly home.
Left to cherish her legacy are two sons, Rev. Tony (Sylvia) Ware and Corlandus Ware; three
daughters, Carolyn Smith, Jackie (Steve) Watkins and Tonette Ware; a very special grandson
who was at her beck and call everyday, Demetrius Ware; two daughters-in-law, Linda and Daisy
Norris; 23 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; a very special play
son, Cephus Gaines; daily companion and caregiver, Beverly Hill; brother-in-law, Isacc Ware;
three sisters-in-law, Mary Baynes, Corine Ware and Margaret Ware; uncle, Herman Johnson;
and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.