Mattie Jean Eley, 76, passed away peacefully and with loving family by her side on Monday, July 26, 2021. She was born August 31, 1944, in Warren, Arkansas to Joe Richard, Sr. and Edna Broadnax. She was preceded in death by both parents and two brothers, Lee Edward and Willie Richard.

In 1961, Mattie entered the Pre-Nursing program at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. She was accepted into the Professional School of Nursing (1966) from General Hospital #1. She later earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (1972) from Kansas University in Lawrence, Kansas. With a thirst for more education, she completed her Master’s in Education (1977) from University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri and Masters in Nursing (1992) from Bishop Clarkson College of Nursing in Omaha, Nebraska.

Mattie’s 28-year career in Nursing Education started in 1963, at General Hospital School of Nursing (currently Truman Medical Center). She continued her work at Saint Joseph Hospital until 1973. At that time, she joined the Metropolitan Community College Kansas City – Penn Valley campus family where she taught Nursing Education, until retiring in December, 2001.

October 1, 1966, Mattie married the love of her life, Elliott Eley, Sr. To this union, three (3) children were born, Elliott, II, Rossilyn and Richard, Sr. Their marriage spanned 54 years.

She gave her life to Christ at an early age. She united with the Friendship Baptist Church on October 20, 1962, under the pastorate of the late Rev. I. H. Henderson, Jr., by letter from Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Warren, Arkansas.

Mattie served in various ministries at Friendship Baptist Church. Those ministries included Reuben Sheepfold, Trustee, Sunday School Class #2, WMU Daisy Stephenson Circle, Cancer Ministry, Ushers, Nurses, Senior Adults, Evangelism, Adopt-A-School, and Wonderful Wednesday Bible Study.

As a life-long missionary, Mattie will be remembered for her philanthropy work in Africa. She was well traveled; jet setting to Africa seven (7) times to Ghana, Uganda, Addis Ababa, and Swaziland to bring hope and relief to those in need. She would send nursing textbooks to universities, medical supplies, clothing, food, and other supplies. In 2008, she traveled to Haiti for earthquake relief with Heart to Heart International. She also traveled to Mexico and twice to Honduras.

When you think of Mattie, we are quickly reminded of the scripture in Matthew 5:16 (KJV) “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” The family encourages you to celebrate her life in your own way. Giving to your favorite charity in her memory would be quite appropriate. Instead of flowers, Mattie would hope that you would do an unexpected and unsolicited random act of kindness for someone in need.

Mattie will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her. She touched many lives and was a living testimony of the works of God. She leaves to celebrate her life and memories, her husband of nearly 55 years, Elliott Eley, Sr.; children, Elliott Eley, II (Angela), Kansas City, MO, Rossilyn Banks, Wichita, KS, and Richard Eley, Sr. (Nichole), Kansas City, MO; brothers, Joe Richard, Kansas City, MO, Curley Richard, East Hartford, CT, Louvelle Richard (Debbie), Kansas City, MO; sisters, Augustine Cooper, San Diego, CA and Delois Kinlow, Milwaukee, WI; Brother-in-law, Dennis Swink (Donna), Kansas City, MO; grandchildren, Jessica Eley (Robert), Reginald Burgin (Domina), Richard Eley II, Shalonda Eley, Isaiah Eley, Anthony Eley, and Meaghan Eley, and a host of nieces, nephews, and many other bonus children, relatives, and friends.