mattie mae hughes williams
1906-1966
Life Story
Mattie Mae Hughes Williams was born around 1906 in Newton County, Mississippi, to John Hughes (1874–1966) and Arbella Arrington Hughes (1880–1959). Raised in the close-knit and faith-centered Altare community, Mattie grew up helping her parents on the family farm while attending school, where she completed the fifth grade. Like many children of her generation, she balanced education with agricultural responsibilities, gaining a lifelong appreciation for hard work and family unity.
At the age of 18, she married Willie Hill (1904–?), and together they built a home and raised six children:
- J.B. Hill (1925–?)
- Willie Lee Hill (1926–?)
- John Hill (1928–?)
- Melvin Hill (1930–?)
- Zeddie Dee Hill (1935–1980)
- Loddie Hill (1936–?)
By 1950, Mattie was living in Vicksburg, Warren County, Mississippi, where she raised her children as a single mother following her separation. She became an active member of the Spring Hill Baptist Church, where her faith and resilience were admired by many. Her primary occupation was homemaking, and she devoted herself to creating a stable and nurturing home for her family.
In later years, she remarried Rufus Williams (1900–?), and eventually relocated to Chicago, Illinois, joining many family members who had moved north during the Great Migration in search of new opportunities.
Tragically, Mattie passed away unexpectedly in 1966 while residing in Chicago. Her death came only days before the passing of her father, John Hughes, marking a period of deep sorrow for the family.
She was survived by her husband, Rufus Williams; four sons — J.B. Hill of Chicago, John Hill of Nebraska, Zeddie Hill and Milton Hill, both serving in the U.S. Army; four sisters — Mrs. Evelyn Houston of Vicksburg, Mrs. Mary Hughes, Mrs. Callie Love, and Mrs. Minnie Hughes, all of Detroit; and two brothers — Rev. Joe Hughes and Cleveland Hughes, both of Newton County, Mississippi.
Funeral services and interment were held in Chicago, Illinois, where family and friends gathered to honor her life of devotion, perseverance, and quiet strength. Though her life was marked by hardship, Mattie Mae Hughes Williams is remembered for her steadfast love of family and enduring faith — qualities that continue to echo through the generations that followed her.
Resting Place
Chicago, Illinois
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- The Vicksburg Post, Mattie Mae Williams Obituary, Mon, Jan 17, 1966 ·Page 10
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
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