Mattie Martena Crain Sherard was born September 18, 1923 in Franklinton, Louisiana. She was the seventh of twelve children born to the late William and Inez Crain. She departed this life on Friday, November 24, 2017 at Providence Health in Columbia, South Carolina.

Mattie graduated from Washington Parish High School in the 11th grade where she also was the Queen of Washington Parish High. She worked as a nurse’s assistant at Crafts-Farrow State Hospital, retiring after 35 years of hard and dedicated service. She was also an active member of the VFW and the Elks, until her health declined.

She was married to the love of her life, Henry Sherard, Sr. Their union was blessed with four children: Henry, Oliver, Scarlet, and Rosalind.

Mattie had many interests. She was one of the first five members of Greenview First Baptist Church and continued to be a faithful servant. She sang on the choir for 35 years.  She loved The Lord and her church. Mattie was one of the most compassionate people anyone had the good fortune to meet. She loved football and basketball. Her favorite college football teams were the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Clemson Tigers. Her favorite professional football team was the New Orleans Saints. She also enjoyed her exercise class and senior citizen's group.

She leaves to cherish precious memories, her daughter, Rosalind (James) Wheeler; son, Henry (Dona) Sherard, Jr.; stepsons, Clyde (Sylvia) Williams and Stanley Anderson; brother, Brisco H. Crain; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Henry Sherard, Sr.; daughter, Scarlet Segar; son, Oliver Sherard; her parents, William and Inez Crain; three sisters: Mildred Reeves, Oradee Johnson, and Josephine Williams; eight brothers, Harold, Edward, Reginald, Rushell, Amacker, Reverend McDonald, Robert John, and James Crain.