Mattie Mae Levine Holley, born April 29, 1940, in Lumberton, North Carolina, entered eternal rest after a life devoted to faith, family, and service. The daughter of Thomas Levine and Willie Mae Outing Levine, Mattie was raised with strong values of hard work, honesty, and love for God. She was preceded in death by her parents and was one of seven siblings: Ransome “Uncle Bobby” Levine, Gladys Levine Davis, Lurine Levine McDowell, Eartha Brooks, Hannah Washington, and Francis Washington.

A woman of determination, Mattie earned her GED in Irvington, NJ, put herself through nursing school, and worked as a nurse at the Woodbridge Developmental Center. She was a proud member of the Universal Church of Newark, NJ.

Mattie was blessed with six children: Wanda Levine, Sandra Yvonne Levine, Richard Earl Levine, Barry Bernard Holley, Willie Fay Holley, and Valerie Marie Holley. She delighted in her grandchildren- Melika Levine, Bunton Levine, Shanice J. Douglas, Darius G. Davenport, Demetrius A. Davenport, Jerry D.M. Holley, and Jaquan K. Holley-and her great-grandchildren-Miniyah Levine, De’Asia Bunton, Devontray Bunton Jr., Ca’zhia I. Douglas, Sha’Nia S. Skipper, N’Kia I. Skipper, Kendall Holley, Kendyll Holley, and Zainah Holley.

Mattie will be remembered as independent, God-fearing, firm yet loving, and deeply devoted to her family. Her legacy of faith, love, and strength will live on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Life Story of Mattie Mae Levine Holley

Mattie Mae Levine Holley was born on April 29, 1940, in Lumberton, North Carolina, to Thomas Levine and Willie Mae Outing Levine. Her father worked in home improvement and was remembered by Mattie as a devoted husband and provider, taking great care of his wife and children until his untimely passing in a job-related accident. Her mother, a homemaker, instilled in Mattie the importance of faith, family, and resilience.

Growing up, Mattie shared her life with six siblings: Ransome “Uncle Bobby” Levine, Gladys Levine Davis, Lurine Levine McDowell, Eartha Brooks, Hannah Washington, and Francis Washington. Their bond was lifelong, and family remained at the center of everything Mattie cherished.

Determined and independent, Mattie received her GED in Irvington, New Jersey, and went on to put herself through nursing school. She pursued a meaningful career in healthcare, serving as a nurse at the Woodbridge Developmental Center, where her compassion and dedication made a lasting difference.

In June of 1965, Mattie married Berry Holley, and together they built a life in Newark, New Jersey. Before their marriage, she was blessed with three children-Wanda Levine, Sandra Yvonne Levine, and Richard Earl Levine. With Berry, she welcomed three more-Barry Bernard Holley, Willie Fay Holley, and Valerie Marie Holley. Her children, along with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, were the pride and joy of her life.

Mattie was a woman of deep faith and a proud member of the Universal Church of Newark, where her love for God shaped her outlook and guided her steps. Known for her firm but loving presence, she was hardworking, reliable, and honest in every aspect of her life.

Though she carried herself with strength and determination, Mattie also had a lighter side. She enjoyed bingo, trips to Atlantic City, and watching her favorite shows, Wheel of Fortune and The Price Is Right. A lover of R&B music, she filled her home with rhythm and joy. She often left the house with a smile and her signature phrase: “I am going to see a cat about a mouse.”

Above all, Mattie valued her family and her faith in Jesus Christ. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in her heart, leaving a lasting impact on her life.

Mattie’s legacy lives on in the family she loved so dearly-her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren-who will forever carry her strength, values, and love in their hearts.