Mattye Mae Bennett's Obituary
Mattye Mae Hooks Bennett died at home on November 28, 2002. Mattye was born May 8, 1925, in Berkeley, California to the union of Nancy Jones Hooks and Perry Hooks. The family resided in Berkeley two (2) years before returning to Alabama, the binhplace of both her parents. She remained in Alabama until the drowning death of her father whereupon her mother returned to California to join the Jones Family in Berkeley. Mattye attended grammar, junior and two (2) years at Berkeley High School before returning once again to Alabama to live with her paternal grandparents. She graduated from Trenholm High School in Tuscumbia, Alabama. After raising her sons and retiring after 25 years of Federal Service, she returned to school and earned her AA degree from Laney College. Mattye married John W. Bennett, Sr. on February 22, 1948. To this union was born two sons, John W. Bennett, Jr. and Myles I. Bennett, who both survive her. John, Sr., preceded her in death, as well as, her two brothers, Perry Hooks, Sr. and Goodloe Hooks. She is also survived by her mother, Nancy Hooks; sisters Geraldine Hooks Gabriel and Juanita Hooks Kirby; Aunts Elizabeth Jones Antoine and Mattie Hooks Eggleston; sister-in-Iaw Cathryn Hooks; four grandchildren Tiana, John III, Ryan and Jahnia Bennett; great-granddaughter Makayla Harris; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends who will all miss her deeply. At her request, there will only be a small private graveside service.
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