Mattie Lee Miller

Mattie Lee Miller, of Livingston, formerly of Valdosta, Georgia, gracefully departed this world on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the age of 91. She was a cherished soul whose light illuminated the lives of many.

Mattie is survived by five sons, Nathaniel Collins Jr., Heshaam Abdul-Hakeem and his wife, Habeebah Samad, Gregory Collins and his fiancée Chevon N. Callen; Donald J. Collins and Paul W. Collins; one daughter, Pamela L. Gwinn and her husband Scott; ten cherished grandchildren, Vance M. Collins, Jermain Collins, Kameron A. Collins, Asata Collins, Kenyatta Collins, Mahlik Collins, Natalie Collins, Jordan Collins, Mackenzie Gwinn and Hunter Gwinn; three great-grandchildren, Kennedie Collins, Josiah Green and Kenyetta Collins Jr.; her three cousins who grew up with her like siblings, Bernice, Marie and Willie; and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family members.

In addition to her parents, Mattie was predeceased by her eight siblings, Carrie-Mae Miller, K.C. Miller, Ernest Miller, Louise Turner, Lonnie Miller, Bobbie Miller, Charles Miller and one infant sister; and her beloved daughter-in-law, Jeannett Collins.

Mattie was born on October 15, 1933, daughter of the late Charlie and Viola Miller. She was born in Morven, Georgia and grew up in Valdosta in a close-knit, faith-filled family with her seven siblings. She eventually made her way north and settled in Newark, New Jersey with her young family, followed by Irvington and Hillside.

Mattie was a retired nurse, dedicating her life to the service of others. Her career was not merely a profession, but rather a calling, characterized by profound compassion and unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of her patients. She put herself through nursing school as a single mother and worked at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston for many years prior to retiring. During her retirement in Georgia, Mattie volunteered her time caring for patients in rehabilitation.

Mattie’s family was everything to her. She was an incredible mother and proud grandmother. Mattie loved animals and had a special place in her heart for her dogs over the years, Smokey, Coco and Rocky. She loved life and cherished each day. Mattie enjoyed dancing, music and the occasional trip to Atlantic City to try her luck.

Mattie fulfilled her dream of retiring back to her hometown in Valdosta, Georgia, where she purchased property, designed and built her dream home.

Mattie lived a life of faith and dedicated service unto others. Although she will be deeply missed, we all take solace in knowing she is at peace with the Lord.

Visitation for Mattie was held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

Many assembled at the funeral home at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 16, 2025, prior to a funeral service held at 4:00 p.m. celebrating Mattie’s life, officiated by Rev. A. Craig Dunn.

Public viewing for Mattie will be held Friday, March 21, 2025, at Godfrey Funeral Home, Valdosta, GA, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Mattie will be laid to rest at Riverview Memorial Gardens in Valdosta, Georgia for a private burial.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Mattie’s honor to the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, 194 NJ Route 10, East Hanover, NJ 07936.