Mattie Vernon Gabbard Cleffman, 85, was born in Breathitt County, Kentucky to the late George and Clara Gabbard. She passed away on September 8, 2023 surrounded by her loving family in her home in Jacksonville, Arkansas.

Mattie graduated from Saluda High School in 1957. She was working at the Jackson 3-N-1 in Chelsea, Indiana when she met her beloved husband, John Cleffman, while he was on military leave. This is where their sweet story began. John and Mattie married on February 12, 1958. Over 65 years of marriage created a beautiful family including 2 daughters, Anita (1958-1981) and Jo Ann (Greg), 5 grandchildren, Jennifer (Jon), Jamie (Phil), Julie (Clint), Kevin (Christa), Mark (Athena), 8 great-grandchildren, Ryan, Alicea, Madison, Preston, Lane, Abby, Blakeleigh, Kailyn, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, Avery and Sage.

John and Mattie were devoted Christians and members of Bayou Meto Baptist Church for almost 50 years. She was a faithful deacon's wife and served as the Sunday School Secretary. Mattie was a member of the church choir, where you could hear her joyous voice on Sundays.She loved taking care of her family and loved spending time with all of her grandkids, especially the babies. She always had candy and made snacks like grilled cheese and French toast. She enjoyed getting manicures and pedicures, getting her hair done every week by her beautician, Sandy, going out for lunch, especially for Mexican food, and loved her shopping trips to Wal-Mart, Kohls, and Shoe Carnival. Mattie will be greatly missed by her loving and devoted husband, family, as well as her church family and friends. We will miss her infectious smile, laugh and her caring nature. We will hold the sweet memories we have of her close to our hearts. She will be happily reunited with loved ones gone before her, including her parents, 2 brothers, 2 sisters, and a daughter.

The family would like to thank Seniors Serving Seniors, all the caregivers, especially Teresa, that have helped take care of her during this time and Baptist Health Hospice. We appreciate all the visitors and everyone who has brought food and fellowship.  Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, September 13 at 1:00pm at Bayou Meto Baptist Church with burial immediately after at Bethel Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday September 12  from 5:00-7:00pm at Bayou Meto Baptist Church.