mattie lou evans ware
1923-2014
Life Story
Faithful Wife, Mother, and Pillar of the Altare Community
Mattie Lou Evans Ware was born on October 12, 1923, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Alonzo Evans (1889–?) and Cora Walker (1894–?). She was raised in the Altare community, where her family played an integral part in the life of the local church and school.
Mattie completed the eighth grade—an admirable achievement for young Black women in rural Mississippi during that time—and worked as a farm laborer, contributing to her family’s livelihood through the rhythms of fieldwork and harvest. Her upbringing in Altare instilled in her strong values of faith, perseverance, and compassion, which guided her throughout her life.
On November 13, 1939, she married Ben Ware (1922–2002), uniting two of Altare’s deeply rooted families. From this union, two children were born:
- Allean Ware (1942–2004)
- Teresa Ware (1963–1964)
In 1956, seeking broader opportunities for their growing family, Ben and Mattie joined the Great Migration northward to Flint, Michigan, where Ben worked in factory production. Later, during the 1960s, the family relocated to Dallas, Texas, before returning to their beloved Newton County in the following decades.
Mattie was remembered for her gentle spirit, love of family, and steadfast devotion to her church and community. Her quiet strength and enduring faith reflected the resilience of Altare’s founding families, who carried their values wherever life took them.
After a long and fruitful life, Mattie passed away on July 14, 2014, and was laid to rest beside her husband at Altare Missionary Baptist Church graveyard—the same sacred ground where generations of her family have worshipped, served, and found eternal rest.
Resting Place
Altare Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- The Newton Record, Mattie Lou Ware and Baby, Newton Thu, Sep 19, 1957 ·Page 5
- Texas, U.S., Birth Index, 1903-1997
- Texas, U.S., Death Certificates, 1903-1982
- U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 2
- U.S., Phone and Address Directories, 1993-2002
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
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