Mattie Catherine Brown Obituary

Mattie Catherine Watkins Brown was born 3-9-1929 to Norman and Fannie Watkins in Atlanta, TX and entered heaven 7-8-2025 peacefully in her sleep in Saginaw, TX. She graduated Atlanta High School, Atlanta, TX in 1947. Her first paying position was at a drug store soda fountain. Catherine married James Thompson and had 2 wonderful sons Charles Frank Thompson and Tommy Edward Thompson. In 1952 she married Marcus Raymond Spearman and they moved to the big city of Fort Worth,TX. There she was employed by General Dynamics. A few years later they were blessed with a daughter, Nancy Lee Spearman. First and foremost she was a believer in Jesus Christ as her Lord and savior. Catherine had always been a faithful member of Southwayside Baptist Church while in Fort Worth. There she served as a Sunday School teacher, nursery worker, VBS teacher and where ever she was needed.

Catherine had many passions over her 96 years. Among them were baking, candy making, cooking for family, church, & any one needing wonderful comfort food. She enjoyed her time with her Eastern Star ladies, fellowship (aka food), and travel to conventions. She was an accomplished seamstress (made most of Nancy's clothes, her bridesmaids dresses and her Going Away Dress), quit maker and embroidery. Catherine loved working in her flower gardens and canning or freezing fresh vegetables and jelly.

Family was very important to her. She loved each and every one of them there were several close friends that were more like her sisters. She made sure to keep in contact with as many as she could and called them often. Baseball was a love of hers. Texas Ranger baseball was a favorite game to attend, watch or listen to. She was thrilled to live long enough to see them win the World Series. She was able to attend Spring Training a time or two when they were in Florida. Once back in Atlanta, TX she worked at the cap factory sewing. Then as a greeter at Walmart. Catherine faithfully attended and served The Lord at Smyrna Baptist Church. Her last 10 years were spent at her daughter's house in Fort Worth. There she she enjoyed attending services at Legacy Baptist. When she could no longer attend in person she was faithful to watch on line. She enjoyed having the grands and great grandkids around and she was so excited and proud to have 3 Great great great granddaughters.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Fannie Watkins; brothers, John Watkins, Charles Watkins and William (Bill) Watkins; and her son, Charles Frank Thompson.

She is survived by her Children: Tommy Thompson & wife Nhieu Thompson, Nancy Spearman Norwine & spouse James Norwine; grandchildren: Michael Thompson (Roxanne Thompson), Kathy Thompson Pilkington (Cody Pilkington), Samantha Norwine Hunt (Aaron Hunt), James Ross Norwine (Sarah-Rose Norwine), Adam Norwine, Joe Thompson, Gabrielle Thompson Carter (Otis Carter), Christopher Thompson (Margaret Thompson); many great grand children and 3 great great great granddaughters; sister, Mable Watkins Oliver (Harold Oliver) any nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 1 pm to 2 pm at Smyrna Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm, Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Smyrna Baptist Church, under the direction of Hanner Funeral Service, with Pastor Gene Parker officiating.

Interment will be in Smyrna Cemetery.