Ms. Mattie B. Nance

April 19, 1936 - October 8, 2020

Rev. Mattie B. Nance, the youngest sister of 10 siblings, gently passed away the evening of October 8, 2020 after completing her mission of service for the Lord at the age of 84. She was lovingly embraced by her family during her final hours at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C. before the Lord whispered to her well done my good and faithful servant. Born April 19,1936 in Marion, N.C. to Mr. and Mrs. Bascom and Isabelle McQueen, Rev. Nance spent her early years in North and South Carolina before marrying Haynes Nance and relocating to Washington, D.C. where the two were employed and resided for more than 60 years. Together they raised 8 children and nurtured countless others. “The Heart of the Nance Family”, Rev. Mattie Nance loved her family and cherished her extended family and dear friends. She humbly served her community and joyously lived a faith-filled life, giving generously to anyone in need. More than 50-years ago, Rev. Nance accepted Christ as her Lord and Saviour and enthusiastically spread the Gospel which also guided her life. After years of service as a federal civil servant at the U.S. Department of Education and as a union member of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), Rev. Nance followed God’s call on her life to full-time ministry. Ordained as a minister in 1993, Rev. Nance was the founder and pastor of Restoration Christian Ministry, focused on nurturing souls, serving the poor, feeding the hungry, and clothing the needy throughout the South East and Capitol Hill areas of Washington D.C. Memorably, Rev. Nance rushed to the side of a mortally injured stranger waiting for emergency care after a horrific accident in front her house; she comforted, prayed for and led the dying stranger to Christ before his passing. True to her calling, she passionately shared God’s gift of salvation. Rev. Mattie B. Nance was loved by her husband, Deacon Haynes Nance who preceded her to glory in 2015. She is survived by her children: Otis E. McQueen, Michael A. Nance (Carol), Tyrone J. Nance (Emily), Elleen Nance Bulluck, Dr. Jeannette Nance Frett (Odel), Dr. and Lt. Cmdr. Miranda Nance, JoAnn Nance Hardin, (Marcus) and Roderick C. Nance (Renee). She is also mourned by 17 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, as well as Ruby Nance, “her bonus daughter” and James Johnson (“Liz”), “her bonus son”. Preceded in passing by her 4 sisters and 4 brothers, her youngest and only brother, Robert “Jr” McQueen (Elizabeth) survives her. Rev. Nance also cherished her many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family as well as her friends, neighbors, and sisters and brothers in Christ. In honor of the generosity, caring and abundant life of Rev. Mattie B. Nance, family and friends gathered on November 22, 2020 for a virtual “Celebration of Life and Homegoing”. A private viewing was held on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at Berean Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. Rev. Mattie B. Nance will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia, where she will join her husband, Deacon Haynes Nance, a Korean Veteran who passed away in 2015. The Nance family would like to thank each of you for your out pouring of love as we grieve the immeasurable loss of our beloved mother, “The Heart of the Nance Family”.