On August 3, 2023, the world lost a beautiful soul as our beloved wife, mother,
sister, aunt and friend, Mattie Rockett-Houston passed away from a sudden but brief illness.
She bravely fought for the life Jehovah gave her and honored him by displaying love for
Jehovah and remaining faithful to the very end. Mattie's kindness, generosity, and patience
was felt and experienced by all whom met her. She was always willing to help, guide, and
mentor others as she was responsible for shaping and positively influencing hundreds of
youths. Her personality was always loving, positive, and upbeat shown through a smile that
could light any dark day and hugs that were so warm they could melt a glacier. Her biggest
joy was helping people in all aspects of life.
Mattie Rockett-Houston, the daughter of John and Emma (Norphlet) Rockette, was
born in Lafayette County, Mississippi, on June 8, 1960. She came to know and love
Jehovah through the teachings of His Son Jesus Christ and studying the bible with
Jehovah's Witnesses. She would always discuss what she learned in her study and her
personal research with others. She loved "having an interchange of encouragement of her
faith…" (Romans 1:11-12) with the congregation during the Watchtower discussion and
learning about what a kind and loving God that Jehovah is.
Mattie loved sharing memories about her childhood growing up in Mississippi. Life
growing up there was not always easy, but it shaped the beautiful person she was inside
and out. It helped her develop the hard work ethic that she was known for from her first job
as a standout waitress to becoming a devoted, decorated, and respected educator.
Mattie received her formal education in the Lafayette County Mississippi Schools
and was a proud graduate of Lafayette High School. After graduation, she enrolled in the
University of Mississippi where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree. She later
obtained a Master of Education Administration from Old Dominion University in Norfolk,
Virginia. She was a highly decorated and very well-respected educator in Mississippi and
Virginia for over 35 years before retiring in 2022.
Mattie was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Rodney Houston and
remained happily married until her death on August 3, 2023. Mattie never met a stranger
and often engaged people with her inquisitive nature, charismatic smile, and welcoming
conversation always greeting people with a hearty "hey there". Mattie enjoyed working in
her garden showing a true appreciation for Jehovah's creation. She enjoyed traveling,
seeing different places, and finding adventure wherever she could. She truly enjoyed the
life Jehovah blessed her with.
One of the fondest memories Mattie and Rodney shared, was a road trip to
Indianapolis, (a 12-hour drive), where they did not even turn on the radio or sleep. They
spent that time talking about anything and everything without a lull in the conversation,
deepening his love and affection for her, letting him know that she was just as beautiful, as
she was intelligent.
Mattie's shining light was her daughter Danun Thomas whom she loved dearly.
Danun was a great source of joy and pride for Mattie. Mattie was at her best when she was
with her daughter Danun. When Danun was young Mattie instilled in her the meaning of
hard work and confidence, while also guiding her through life's moral bumps and bruises.
The term mother was not just a title for her but something she fully encompassed, and her
love will remain with Danun always.

Mattie will forever be remembered lovingly by her devoted husband, Rodney
Houston: her daughter: Danun Thomas; brother: Jan Rockett; Sisters: Nina Rockett, Earlie
Rockette (Yekeen), Nancy Gordon (Eddie), Elizabeth Rockette and Jerry Brantley; Bonus
Brother/Nephew: Jimmy Rockett; Brother-in-laws: Jimmy Britt, Carlos Houston, Cornelius
Houston, Vincent Houston (Felicia), Sister-in-Laws: Jennifer Holloman (Gene), and Felecia
Spivey (Lewis) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
Mattie was preceded in death by her parents: John and Emma Rockette; her
brothers John Edward Rockette and James Roy Rockette.
We will miss you Mattie, and our lives are much less without you. You will always be my
"Lovin Woman".

The memorial service for Mattie will be held at:
THE KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES
681 OAK GROVE RD
CHESAPEAKE VA 23320
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 2023 AT 11:00 AM EST
A SMALL REPASS WILL BE HELD AT:
THE GREENBRIER LIBRARY
1214 VOLVO PARKWAY
CHESAPEAKE VA 23320
12:30 PM EST

ID : 847 5564 7112   Passcode : 476233