Mattie Louise Thompson (Washington) was born on July 29, 1927 in Paris TX to Charlie Thompson and Mamie Fulbright. Mattie had one sibling, a brother, Leroy Samuels Sr.

Mattie graduated from Gibbons High School in Paris TX. In 1946 Mattie married Will Henry Washington Jr. to this union was added 4 sons: Bobby, Henry, Keith, Darrell and a step-daughter Juanell Jenkins. They moved to Oklahoma City in 1952, where they attended New Bethel Baptist Church. She served as a deaconess, sang in the choir and directed the children choir.

She was known to all as "Memaw", Mattie was a caregiver to her grandchildren, a homemaker and she loved to cook.

On November 8, 2001 at the age of 94, Mattie Louise Washington departed this life. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother, husband, all 4 sons and daughter. She leaves to cherish her memories her grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.