Obituary of Mattie Davis

After several years of declining health, Mattie Garner Davis of Frankfort passed away peacefully on October 8, 2024, just over a month shy of her 103rd birthday. Mattie was born in Frankfort on November 28, 1921 to Henry and Harriett Warren Garner. She attended Clinton Street Elementary School and graduated from Mayo-Underwood High School in 1939, and in the years since she always looked forward to their class reunions. Mattie accepted Christ into her life in 1939 and became a member of the First Baptist Church, Clinton Street in Frankfort. While living in Eminence, she frequently attended the First Baptist Church on South Main, where her children were baptized. In 1950, Mattie married John R. Davis, Jr. and they remained happily married for 43 years until his passing. They became the parents of three children and four grandchildren. Mattie graduated from Kentucky State University in 1960 with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and began her teaching career with the Eminence Independent School District. After more than 15 years of teaching regular education, she returned to Eastern Kentucky University and the University of Kentucky to become certified to teach special education. She then helped establish the first special education unit for the district and mentored new teachers entering the field. She retired after 28 years of teaching. When her husband’s health began to decline they returned to Frankfort. Throughout her life she enjoyed reading, sewing, fashion, dancing, attending various art performances, and watching classic movies from the 1930s and 40s. Many of these interests were passed on to her children and students. She was noted for keeping in touch with family and friends, and was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, former member of the Women’s Progressive Club of Frankfort, Homemaker’s Club in Franklin and Henry County, and Henry County Friends of the Library Club. Mattie is survived by three daughters, Betty Davis and Harriett Davis of Frankfort and Ruby Goatley of Louisville; four grandchildren, LiAndrea, Elizabeth, Victoria, and Jonathan Goatley; brother-in-law Henry Davis; sisters-in-law Emma Matchen and Josephine Garner; and several nieces, nephews, and friends. Along with her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by her brothers Robert H. Garner and Sandford L. Matchen. A graveside service will be held in the Greenhill Cemetery at 11:00 am on Monday, October 14th, with Rogers Funeral Home overseeing arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Kentucky State University in her honor.