MATTIE HAM
Sept. 21, 1923-March 31, 2012
Mattie King Ham, 88, peacefully passed away in her sleep on March 31, 2012, at Sunrise Assisted Living in Abington, Pa.
Funeral services were provided by Dupree Funeral Home and held at Bethel Presbyterian church both of Philadelphia, Pa.
Mattie was born in Goldsboro, to the late David King and Minnie Belle Tate on Sept. 21,1923. She matriculated in the public school system of Goldsboro, graduating valedictorian of her classes at both Dillard High School in Goldsboro and Fayetteville State College in Fayetteville (formerly Fayetteville State Teachers College). Mattie Ham moved to Philadelphia 1948, where she began her career as public school teacher. She taught at Garner in Garner, Elverson and Richard Wright, both in Philadelphia. She retired in 1986. Mattie was a member at Shiloh Presbyterian Church in Goldsboro until her move to Philadelphia, where she attended Bethel Presbyterian church for more than 40 years. Mattie was an active member of both Dillard High School and Fayetteville State University Alumni Associations, NAACP, Boys Town and The Alzheimer's Foundation.
Mattie is preceded in death by her husband, Henry Ham and her brother, Oliver King (of the former King's Cafe') Goldsboro. A beautiful light who illuminated so many lives, Mattie leaves behind her only child, Iris "Angie" Ham of Philadelphia; two grandchildren, Carla and Michael, both of Philadelphia; four great-grandchildren; 13 brothers and sisters; a special niece, Barbara Atkinson (nee King) of Orange, N.J., and a host of beloved family and friends. Mattie's brilliant mind, eloquence, great sense of humor and sharp wit will be sorely missed.
Please forward letters and condolences to Dupree Funeral Home, 2509-11 W. Diamond St., Philadelphia Pa., 19121.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on April 15, 2012 8:35 PM