November 1929 was the time to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, but also a time to celebrate on the 10th the birth of a beautiful baby girl to Maxine Canady and J.C. Jones, Sr., in Cuthbert, Georgia. She was given the name Mattie Ruth Jones.
The family later moved to Jacksonville, Florida, when Mattie Ruth was a young child. Attending Second Baptist Church with her family, she accepted the Lord Jesus as her Savior and was baptized under the pastorate of Rev. K. D. Britt. Her formal education was received through the Duval public schools system, graduating in 1947 from Stanton Senior High School.
Mattie, lovingly called Baby Ruth, was employed by the Duval County School Board Hospitality Services. She became a faithful member of Mt. Bethel Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. S.A. Thomas, Jr., and was placed on District #9, Dea. Wilbur Bellamy, Sr., past Leader, and current Leader, Dea. Bobby Smiley. Mattie participated with Usher Board #1, the Welcoming Committee, the Missionary Society, and the Emanuel Progressive Association Ushers; she was also a lifetime member of the Esther Chapter, Eastern Star, and Past Worthy Matron of the Stars of Bethlehem, OES; and a founding member of the FAMU Marching 100 Band Boosters. She was a faithful worker until a few years ago when she became unable to serve.
Sister Mattie Ruth Dickens lived 92 years, and was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hazaniel Dickens, Sr., her parents, Mrs. Maxine Canady Wilcox and Mr. J.C. Jones, Sr.; and a sister, Mrs. Dora Lee Dailey.
Left to treasure precious memories are her sons, Ron Weaver (Gloria), Ocala, FL, and Hazaniel Dickens Roberson, Jacksonville; grands, Julian (Kara), Ronald and Veronica Weaver; great-grands, Paris and Nalani Weaver; sister, Lillian Thomas, Jacksonville, and brother, J.C. Jones, Jr., Riverside, CA; godsons, Evers Hampton, Kenneth Ford, Sr., Roger Griffin and Larry Lott; a host of nieces and nephews, to include Russell Henry, Jr.; cousins; many friends, to include lifetime friend, Henry Lee Brown, and special friend, Bennie Ruth King.