Ms. Mattie Merthyne Blanks

Mattie Merthyne Blanks, a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and community member, transitioned on October 12,2023, from cancer complications. Mattie was born in Tillar, Arkansas in Drew County on June 24, 1947, born to Rev. Willie Clyde and Mattie Reynolds. She moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1965, and graduated from Milwaukee Area Technical College. In the same year, she married John Blanks. From that union, they had three girls, Sheila, Lisa and Tammy. Mattie began her working career in 1971, at Kohl's as a cake decorator and worked there for 27 years while working for the United States Postal Service. After her employment at Kohl's, she began working for the Milwaukee County Transit System for 10 years, retiring September 2012. Her spiritual life journey began early under the leadership of her very own father, Rev. Willie C. Reynolds at st. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Tillar, Arkansas. After moving to Milwaukee, she transferred her membership to St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church, under Rev. Lovell Johnson. Mattie was a member of the usher board, adult choir, and kitchen ministry. Mattie continued her spiritual journey and became a Jehovah Witness in 2008, where she evangelized and fellow shipped. As a community member, Mattie enjoyed beautifying her home and neighborhood. She received many accolades for her superior gardening skills. Her hard work and dedication was the pillar of the community. Mattie participated in life to the fullest. She enjoyed shopping, traveling, and line dancing with friends at McGovern Park. In addition to, she loved billiards, bowling, and events that were outside. Mattie enjoyed her friends Doris "Redd" Hill, Hester Davis, Leon, and Denise "Lil Bit" Cooper-Felts. Mattie joined her heavenly rest with her parents, Rev. Willie C. and Mattie J (Sanders) Reynolds and siblings: Alma Marie (Monroe) Washington, Annie Mae (Frank) Crump, Sherman (Ida Mae) Reynolds, Vernon (Beatrice) Reynolds, Maurice (Furtha-Mae) Reynolds, Asa (Vella) Reynolds, Flemella (Grady) Henry, Clarence Reynolds, Shirley Anne (Willie) Rupert,brother-in-law J.V Toles, and husband John Blanks (divorced,1990). Survived by her daughters, Sheila Blanks, Lisa Hegler, and Tammy (Patrick) Woodard; granddaughter: Janelle Blanks; grandsons: LaDale Blanks, DeLon Blanks (DJ), Ivory Hegler, and Devin Woodard; sister: Gloria J. Toles and brothers Willie C. Reynolds, Charles (Ruby) Reynolds, and Melvin (Florence) Reynolds, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ms. Mattie Merthyne Blanks

June 24, 1947 - October 12, 2023