In Loving Memory of Mother Mattie Van Pelt

December 7, 1929 – July 25, 2025

Mother Mattie Van Pelt was born on December 7, 1929, in Cotton Plant, Arkansas, to her devoted parents, Lucy (Brangain) and Robert Bunton. From the beginning, her life was rooted in faith, compassion, and a deep commitment to service—qualities she carried gracefully throughout her journey.

A lifelong and faithful member of Pilgrim Baptist Church, Mattie served in many capacities, including Sunday School Teacher, Red Rose Circle member, Missionary, and Matron. She was a diligent student of the scriptures and a dedicated prayer warrior, always ready with a kind word, a listening ear, and a heart full of encouragement. Her devotion to God was displayed not only in her words but in the way she lived—uplifting those around her with quiet strength and unwavering grace.

Beyond her church home, Mattie extended her ministry into a wider community. She served as Worthy Matron of the Rhonda Kay Jones Chapter #54, and Grand Chaplain of Prince Hall. Alongside the late Missionary Rosa Chapman, she worked with Friends of Bethany to mentor and inspire young women, leaving an enduring impact on countless lives.

Mattie’s greatest joy came from her family, to whom she devoted her life with deep love and pride. She leaves behind five beloved children: her devoted daughter, Velvet Brooks; and four loving sons, Amos Jr., Charles (Christine), Kenneth (Tamye), and Christopher Sr. (Lois). Her legacy continues through her fifteen treasured grandchildren—Vowanda, Roxie, Anita, Sheldon, Carmen, Colin, Amos III, Kenisha, Ronnie, Christopher Jr., Aries, Melba, Tenisha, Ezekiel, and Naoma—as well as a host of great-grandchildren. 

Her nurturing spirit also touched her goddaughter, Sonya Rutledge (Richard) Byrd, and her children, Aliyah and Brianna Byrd. She embraced her bonus daughters—Claudia Norfleet, Cindy Christian, LaWanda Walker, and Renee Morrison—as her own. Special bonds were shared with her nieces, Tommie Louise Smith, Tricie McKinley, and Marilyn Hicks, and her dear cousin, Josephine Nash.

Mattie was a cherished friend to many, including Louise Jones, Mary Fields, Kittie Gibson, Alice Hall, Catherine Barnes, and Gladys Hagler. She carried in her heart the fond memories of her dear friends Rosa Chapman and Mary Adams.

On the evening of Friday, July 25, 2025, God called his servant home. She was welcomed into glory by her husband, Amos Van Pelt; her parents, Lucy and Robert Bunton; her brother, Lewis Hicks; and her son-in-law, James Brooks. 

Mattie Van Pelt’s life was a shining example of faith, kindness, and resilience. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched, and her light will continue to guide all who were privileged to know and love her.