Eva Mae Thomas - Mattox

Eva Mae Thomas Mattox was born on September 16, 1946, in Branford, Florida, to Mae Bell and King Tillman Thomas, who preceded her in death. She was the seventh of nine children and is also preceded in death by her siblings Johnnie, Willie James, Billy, Benny, Gladys, and Catherine. She leaves to cherish her memory her sister Geneva, and her brother Adam, and his wife Sharon.

Eva was joined in holy matrimony to Marcus Mattox, her beloved husband of 61 years, a union marked by strength, love, and unwavering faith. They were blessed with three children: Marcus Mattox Jr and his wife Angela; Ronicia Mattox Rome; and Christopher Mattox along with Jennifer. She was a loving grandmother to Ashlie, Audrianna, and her husband John, Alexandria, Marcus III, Gabrielle and her husband Jeremy, Danielle and her late husband Jhymy, John, Joshua, Zoe, and Christopher Jr, and a joyful great grandmother to Micah, Heaven, Kaylen, Eden, Olivia, Abigail, Eva, Avah, and Luke. Her extended family includes Pastor Annie Mae Sellers and Annie Marie Adams of the Mayo Family, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, spiritual children, and cherished brothers and sisters in Christ.

Eva pursued her education with excellence. She attended Chiefland Junior High School and graduated from Williston Vocational High School where she was crowned Homecoming Queen. She later completed the Nursing program at Santa Fe Community College and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. She served her community faithfully, retiring from the VA Hospital after twenty years of compassionate and dedicated service to veterans and their families.

Eva received Christ at an early age and lived her faith with sincerity, boldness, and joy. She ministered in song, worship, and praise, carrying an anointing that touched countless lives. She was ordained as a Minister of Music and served in that sacred role from 1986 to 2006, leading worship with a purity and devotion that drew others into the presence of God. Her voice, her heart, and her gentle authority made her a steady pillar in the life of the church.

Her ministry reached beyond the sanctuary. Eva was an accomplished author who wrote the book titled “When Test Come,” and she released multiple music albums that captured her testimony, her worship, and her love for God. Her songs encouraged hearts, strengthened faith, and carried the same presence she carried in person. Through her writing and her music, her ministry continued to speak long after the final note faded.

Eva’s calling took her around the globe. She traveled to Israel where she was baptized in the Jordan River, and visited Cairo, Europe, and other meaningful places. She also served in missionary work in Haiti and in the Virgin Islands, offering compassion, encouragement, and the message of Jesus Christ to all she met.

Her life was marked by love, service, creativity, and unwavering devotion. Whether nursing, mentoring, writing, singing, worshipping, or traveling to share the gospel, Eva served with a full heart and steadfast faith. 

Eva Mae Thomas Mattox will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and eternally celebrated. Her legacy lives on through her family, her ministry, her music, and the countless lives she touched.