Evangelist Missionary Mattie Jane Torry

Evangelist (Evg.) Missionary Mattie Jane Stokes Torry, a beacon of unwavering faith and boundless love, passed away on October 5, 2023. Born on March 13, 1953, in the embrace of Luke and Mary Stokes in Camden, MS, Mattie grew up surrounded by the warmth of her seven cherished siblings: Clifton, Lillie Belle, Adam, Luke, Ruth, David, and Danny. In her early years, Mattie's faith in God blossomed. Mattie's deep faith in Christ was instilled at an early age, and it became the cornerstone of her life's purpose. Her heart overflowed with a desire to share this love and knowledge with the world, as she embarked on her ministry journey by walking the streets of Canton, MS, fervently sharing the gospel and inviting others to accept Christ as their Savior. During those early years, she also served at Faith Tabernacle Church of Deliverance in Canton, MS as Minister Mattie Torry, where her marriage to Earnest M. Torry on May 26th, 1976, was a union marked by shared devotion to their faith. Her love for people was boundless, and it radiated from her with every step she took. Mattie's love for the Bible was unwavering, leading her to earn an associate degree in biblical studies. This was a testament to her commitment to understanding and spreading the Word of God. Evangelist Missionary Mattie Torry's legacy is also beautifully woven through her daughters, Evangelist Dr. Dinah (Bisheba) E. Akridge, and First Lady Tabitha Martin. Her imprint on their lives is indelible, as is her influence on her adoring grandchildren: Autumn, Ember, Luther Cortez (Corkie), Ina, Austin, and Lexi. Her commitment to ministry took her to Refuge Temple in Jackson, MS, where she became the President of the Newcomers Department. Mattie's arms were always open wide to embrace those seeking the Holy Ghost, and for nine years, she poured her heart into this calling. Following this, her path led her to prison ministry, where for 25 years, she worked tirelessly, bringing the light of Christ to many lost souls. Her impact in this realm was immeasurable, and her dedication unwavering. Mattie's mother fondly remembered her daughter's penchant for cleanliness. "She would spend hours cleaning the home, even as her siblings played and teased her. One time, she got tired of them meddling, and one day when her brothers, Adam and Luke, decided to run through the house after Mattie had just finished mopping the floor she started swinging them both out the door. She would never hit them, just swing "em." Her mother also recalled how Mattie would sweep under the house and once mistakenly washed her father's white t-shirts with something red, turning them all pink. Her father's response was a simple, "Well, I always did like pink." According to her siblings, no matter where they went, Mattie always carried a Bible and her toothbrush. Mattie's legacy lives on through her husband Earnest, daughters Dinah (son-in-law Deacon Ernest Akridge) and Tabitha (son-in-law Pastor Evangelist Luther Martin), and a precious legacy of grandchildren: Autumn, Ember, Ina, Austin, Lexi, and Luther Cortez (Corkie). Her love and guidance will continue to shine brightly through them.

Evangelist Missionary Mattie Jane Torry

March 13, 1953 - October 5, 2023