Overseer Annie Mae Matlock

Overseer Annie Mae Matlock, lovingly known as “Madear,” transitioned peacefully on August 23, 2024, surrounded by family and friends. Born on February 23, 1935, in Ofahoma, Mississippi, to Deacon Shelby “Sweet Daddy” and Mattie Bertha Stokes. Annie Mae led a life dedicated to faith, family, philanthropy, community service, and excellence. Annie Mae was the sixth of ten children. In 1947, she moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she reunited with and later married Archie Matlock in July of 1951. To their union, five children were born, Runetta, Patricia, Janice, Archie (Red) Jr., and Lathel. Annie Mae was also blessed to have raised two additional children, Jeanette Matlock and Debra Jones. Their union lasted for 68 years strong. Annie Mae attended grammar school in Madison County, Mississippi. After attending Smith High School in Chicago, Annie Mae worked at various jobs, including Dubow and Copen Hagen, before partnering with her husband to run A&A Grocery, which served the Austin community for over 50 years. She was also an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star and Rose of Sharon chapter in Chicago and original member of the First Lady’s Ministry of Chicago which was led by the late Mother Margaret Stowers. She was the lead female bowler in the Matlock bowling league. She led the JC Outreach Ministry along with the late Mother Betty White, Missionary Katie Little, Mother Helena Stokes, Mother Doris Risper, and Mother Doris Draine. Annie Mae’s spiritual journey began at an early age when she was baptized at Walnut Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Carthage, Mississippi. Her faith deepened over the years, leading her to serve in various capacities: • She received her missionary license at Free Will M. B. Church under the late Reverend Lee H. Ivy. • She was instrumental in organizing God’s Holy Ghost M. B. Church under the late Reverend Samuel Jones. • In 1980, she co-founded the Jesus Christ Holy Missionary Baptist Church • She was ordained as a minister in 1991 by her husband, the late Reverend Dr. Archie Matlock, Sr. • She served as First Lady, strong prayer warrior, Sunday School teacher, and Bible Study instructor • She led the development of the Jesus Christ Learning Center & Jesus Christ Bus Ministry. • She became Pastor of Jesus Christ Holy M. B. C. in 2020.

Overseer Matlock was renowned for her warm spirit, infectious smile, and authentic love. She tirelessly served her community by: • Organizing annual vacations to Walt Disney World for disadvantage youths in the community and additional trips included to Wisconsin Dells, Holy Hill, Great America, Mall of America, and Gurnee Mills for church and community members • Feeding the hungry and providing shelter for the homeless • Spreading the gospel and offering spiritual guidance • Hosting back-to-school jamborees and annual Christmas programs Her favorite scripture was Philippians 3:14, “I press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Annie Mae is survived by her loving children, Patricia Matlock, Janice Matlock-Wilson, and Minister Lathel (Patrice) Matlock; one son-in-law, Leroy Porter; surviving sibling, Pastor Emeritus Shelby (Jewel) Stokes, Jr.; she is also survived by her brother-in-law, Frank (Emma) Matlock of Carthage, MS; grandchildren, Litanya (Jaton) Brown, Reverend Laroy Porter IV, Tamara (Stan) Roberson, Trinetta (James) McCombs, Nikisha Thomas, Pastor Archie (Tamara) Matlock III, Tanicka Sanders, Krystal Porter, Lizzie Thomas, Joseph Wilson, Taquila Matlock, Tiara Wilson, Trinity and Mya (Brandon) Dawson, Zakiya, Tamiya, Kierra, Zhanai, Zion, and LaZariah Matlock; Annie Mae was blessed with 28 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; goddaughters, Hope Sims and Annette Bryant; godsisters, Evangelist Rosie Driver, Ossie “Honey Baby” Lawrence, and Pastor T. Astralia Akbar Washington; best friends, Mother Patricia Walker, Mother Dorothy Robinson-Hale, Mother Francis Ivy, Mother Mary Minter, and Pastor Shannon. Annie Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Dr. Archie Matlock, Sr.; children, Evangelist Runetta Porter and Archie “Red” Matlock, Jr.; siblings, Georgia Bell, John Palmer, Vernell, Percy, and Minnie Pearl, James and Bertha Lee, and George Albert; five grandchildren, Jeffrey Porter, Evtrece, Renata, Zachariah, and Zephaniah Matlock; and two great-grandchildren, Karma Wezowicz and D’evian Porter. Annie Mae Matlock’s life was a testament to faith, love, and service. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched through her ministry and community work, including her cherished Jesus Christ Holy M. B. Church family and many other relatives and friends. LEFT AN INDELIBLE MARK ON MANY. SHE WILL TRULY BE MISSED. Philippians 3:14, “I press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

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