By Portia A. Scott (www.atlantadailyworld.com)
Rev. Byron E. Thomas, pastor at Central United Methodist Church, officiated at the funeral service for Mattie Harper Briscoe recently, referring to her lengthy life as well-lived and Godly. She was at peace with family and friends when she died at home at age 98.
The deceased was well thought of as she was remembered as a true servant of God who will never be forgotten on Dec. 14, 11 a.m. at Central.
A former teacher of algebra and home economics at her alma mater, Booker T. Washington High School, she was remembered by many as one who trusted in God and had the courage and strength of a strong Black woman. “She was part of our beloved family at Central and she had a phenomenal memory,” said church member Joyce Jones. Jones also remembered her sense of humor, her storytelling, and her Sunday School commitment of some 40 years. The deceased was also active in AARP and the Westwood Guild. “She was one-of- a-kind who had a strong commitment to life,” Jones added.
William (Bill) Harbor, recalled how he worked with her late husband, Lt. Marc Briscoe, and remembered how her husband never missed her birthday. A true friend for some 30 years, he thanked the deceased for “a great ride.” Rev. Yolanda E. Thompson of Clark Atlanta University Sigma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., said Mattie Briscoe “paved the way for so many women and we honor her today for her great love of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.”
A salutatorian of her class at Clark College, the deceased holds a master’s degree from Atlanta University in education, and retired from teaching after 35 years of touching and shaping the lives of thousands of students. When her late husband was transferred abroad, she traveled with him to Japan and Germany and taught there.
Alva Tabor, a son-in-law, called her “a true hero who was a very generous giver and knew how to sacrifice for others.”
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