Mattie Yarbrough

Mattie Yarbrough, 94, of Henderson, Texas passed on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from her residence in Rusk County, Texas. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from Mt. Salem Baptist Church in Ackerman, Mississippi. Burial will follow in Mt. Salem Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held 4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. for the General Public on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 from Beck Funeral Home Weir. Beck Funeral Home Weir is in charge of all arrangements.

Mattie Jane Baber-Yarbrough was born November 11, 1930 in Sturgis, Mississippi to Isom and Mandy Baber. She was the first of eight children.

Mattie Jane confessed Christ as her savior and was baptised at the age of 9 years.

In 1961 she married Gus Pruitt Yarbrough . They remained married for 49 years until Gus was called to his eternal home. Together, they reared five children.

Mattie worked in various positions. She picked cotton, worked as a domestic, and as a factory worker for several companies. She retired from Cook Electric where she made electronic parts.

After having moved to Chicago, Mattie attended the Omega Missionary Baptist Church for many years. Toward the end of her time in Chicago, she became a member of the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church until she moved to Texas to live with her daughter.

Mattie had a passion for cooking. Daily, she prepared delicious meals for her family. Friends and family, both far and wide, have been delighted with her baked goods. Cakes were her favorite dessert to make.

After retirement Mattie filled her days with quilting. The longer she worked at this craft, the better she became at it. Many friends and family members treasure a quilt designed and made by her.

Mattie Jane Baber-Yarbrough departed this life on May 20, 2025. Her parents, two sisters, Minnie Pearl Childress and Willie Mae Miller, three brothers, I. C. Baber, Jr., Gilbert Baber, an infant brother, as well as her son, Harvey Gus Yarbrough preceded her in death.

Those left behind to cherish her memory include four children, Phyllis B. Gibbs of Dumfries, VA, Myra Baber of Henderson, TX, Pam Lennon of Hammond, IN, and Joyce (Mark) Elderkin of Australia; Six grandchildren, Unique Owens, Passionete Mitchell, Keshia Gibbs, Remington Wells, Nabil Elderkin, and Saba Elderkin-Kadlec. Two brothers John Baber of Lithonia, GA and James (Eunice) Baber; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.