Mattie Thompson Daniels, 87, of Blackshear, entered eternal rest Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Hospice Satilla Hospice House in Waycross.
A dedicated educator, she spent her entire career educating youth. Teaching was truly her calling.
She was born May 26, 1938, in Blackshear, to the late Lonnie Thompson and Susie Thompson. She married her high school sweetheart, Charles S. Daniels Sr. in 1963 and to this union three children were born. She was a graduate of Lee Street High School, Class of 1957. A talented basketball player in high school, she was known for her reliability as a shooter and her strong presence on the court. She later continued her love for the sport by coaching basketball at Lee Street. She was inducted into the Pierce County Sports Hall of Fame in 2022 for her exceptional performance on the court. She continued her education at Edward Waters College, earning a degree in education and answering a lifelong calling to teach. She also matriculated at Tuskegee University, Valdosta State University and the University of Georgia during her career, completing various classes and certification programs.
She was a devoted science teacher for 30 plus years, known for her hands-on approach to learning. She believed that learning should be experienced, not just taught. Through science fairs, rocket launches and creative experiments, she inspired generations of students to explore, question, and discover the joy of science. She served as an elementary school teacher in Blackshear and Kingsland.
Throughout her life, she remained deeply committed to her community and to standing up for what she believed was right. She was never afraid to speak out and challenge social injustices, always advocating for fairness and the well-being of others. She faithfully volunteered as a poll worker during elections, believing strongly in the importance of civic participation. She also served on the local library board, working diligently to ensure that the community library remained a valued and accessible resource for future generations.
She was a certified master gardener. She found great joy in nurturing life from the soil. Her yard stood as a living testament to her love of flowers. Tending to her flowers was more than a hobby, it was where she found joy, peace and purpose.
She was a lifelong and devoted member of Scott Chapel United Methodist Church. She dedicated countless hours to the life and work of the church and was actively involved in its leadership and operations. She could often be found helping wherever she was needed. She frequently served as chairperson for the church’s Homecoming programs and other special events, contributing her time, energy and leadership to ensure their success. Her faith, service and commitment to both her church and community left a lasting legacy.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, her brothers, Lonnie Thompson Jr., Eddie Thompson and Abraham Thompson; her sisters, Martha Thompson, Alberta Thompson and Rebecca Bray and a devoted and loving aunt and uncle, Eddie and Alberta Muller.
Survivors include her loving children: daughters Janet Scott (Chester) and Lisa Keith; son Charles Daniels Jr. (Venturine “Vee”) andher step-son Anthony Jenkins (Louise). She also leaves to cherish her memory her grandchildren Jada Kelley (Maurice), Chelsea Scott, Danielle Keith, Brian Keith, Makenzie Daniels and Charles Daniels III; great-grandchildren Nyla Kelley, Broderick Washington III (“Tre”) and Brailyn Keith; sisters Bobbie Wing (John) and Dollie Clayton (James); brothers, Albert Thompson and William Thompson; sister-in-law Earlene Jacobs; uncle Romeo Johnson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A wake will be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday, March 13, from the Scott Chapel United Methodist Church, 420 Highway Avenue, Blackshear.
Homegoing services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14, from the Scott Chapel United Methodist Church.
Interment will follow at St. James on the Ridge Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery near Patterson.
Harrington Family Funeral Services of Waycross is in charge of arrangements.
