When reflecting on the life of Mattie Elizabeth Seldon Greene, also affectionately known as "Mattie G", "Big Mama", "Grandma", "Aunt Mattie" and "Grandma Mattie", it is easy to see that her focus was always on family.  Mattie was born on January 29, 1923 in Bedford, VA to the late James Elston and Lillian Calloway Seldon.  Her life impacted the lives of many.  She was a nurturer, a mentor and a loving mother to many besides her own children.  Her greatest sources of pride and joy were watching her family tree blossom into numerous branches. Those branches were stretched even more as extended members were added to the family tree. That has led to a priceless collection of memories that will be cherished in the hearts of so many.

Mattie was educated in Bedford County Schools where she attended Bedford Training School.  She joined Washington Street Baptist Church and remained a faithful member until the Lord said, "Well done, thy good and faithful servant".  She worked faithfully in the church; was a member of the Gospel Chorus and served on the Hospitality Committee, which led her to feed countless people.  That passion spread throughout the church and the community.  Mattie loved to cook and she loved to see people enjoy her cooking.  She loved to entertain and she and her siblings planned many Seldon bi-annual family reunions over the years.  Those were some of her most cherished moments. Mattie was a very fashionable lady, proudly wearing the most up-to-date in styles and complementing her look with the latest hats.  She was the eldest living member of the Bedford Branch NAACP as was honored by the Branch in 2014.

Mattie was passionate about her faith.  She trusted God in all that she did. She loved the Lord, and always had an encouraging word for all those around her. Her legacy will live on and she will be missed by so many.  She would often say; " this world don't owe me nothing; I have lived a good life ". Her family praises God for the 93 years we were blessed to share with her.

Mattie was united in marriage to the late Ivan R. Greene, Sr.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Hattie Ellen Madison, a sister, Frances Woods, and two brothers, Wiley and Wellington "Gay" Seldon, Sr.; three sisters-in-law, Inez Seldon, Vivian Seldon, and Peggy Seldon; four brothers-in-law, Garrison Woods, Harry Lowry, Melvin Hunter, and Eugene Medlock.

She leaves precious and fond memories to her loving daughter, Geraldine Greene of Beltsville, MD, devoted and caring son and daughter-in-law, Ivan R. Greene, Jr. and  Patricia of Bedford, VA, three grandchildren, Lori Rice, Daria Madison, Monique Theriot (Rahim), six great-grandchildren, Vincent, Kellcy, Kiera, Caylin, Leia, and Jaemir; one brother, Raymond Seldon, Sr.; four sisters, Savator Lowry, Anne Hunter, Mary McDuffie, and Marionette Medlock; special son, Frankie Lesene, goddaughter, Cheryl (Dennis) Hopkins, and  a host of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives, and loving friends.