Obituary of Mattie L. 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. 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for Mattie to be 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.

All may assemble 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. For those unable to attend the service in person, you may attend virtually via livestream by visiting this link during the service..

Mattie will be laid to rest in Morven, Georgia after the services are held in New Jersey.

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.

Mom has lived a full life and she has lived it the way she wanted to, on her terms. There are so many decisions she has made to take her on the course she wanted to traverse and develop her into the wonderful, amazing, bright and beautiful woman that we get to call mom. Death is in the hands of our creator in terms of the time, place and manner. Through His mercy, He has allowed mom to transition in a way that was easy on us family members. It was a gradual process. But that’s mom, always trying to make things easy on her family. It is almost as if mom decided when it was her time. I last saw her with her eyes closed, sleeping as if she was saying Lord, I’m ready. And as if she didn’t want to see any more life as it is, but preferred to remember it as it was. As her children, and for those who were close to her, we will always love you mom with love everlasting!

-Heesham

“Lord, I thank you for our mother. Thank you for placing her in our lives, and for the blessings she is to me and my family. Thank you for the Godly wisdom that she has instilled in us. Words cannot express the gratefulness I have in my heart for her beauty and spiritual influence in our life. Please continue to bless her and surround her with your grace and favor. In the name of Jesus, Amen.”

-Nate