First Lady Matilda Hartsfield

Obituary Matilda “Tee” Hartsfield | December 7, 1939 - July 28, 2021 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." II Timothy 4:7-8 Matilda Hopkins Hartsfield was born December 7, 1939 in Brunswick, Georgia to Zynover and Willam Hopkins. Matilda was the 4th oldest of five children. She was a graduate of Risley High School Class of 1957. Matilda met the love of her life, Wallace S. Hartsfield, and they were married August 28, 1957. Married for sixty-three years, this union produced three children. As a loving, faithful helpmate to her husband Wallace, a minister of the Gospel, Matilda accepted and supported her husband’s vocation and related lifestyle, conditions and circumstances associated with his work. The marriage included multiple pastoral calls to three Baptist Churches: Mt. Gilboa Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida (1959); Metropolitan Baptist Church, Kansas City, Missouri (1962); Tabernacle Baptist Church, Wichita, Kansas (1968) and returning in 1972 to Metropolitan Baptist Church, Kansas City, Missouri. Wednesday, July 28, 2021, Matilda Hartsfield completed her journey on earth. The passing of Mrs. Matilda Hartsfield, favorably known as "Tee" or "Miss Tee" was/is a difficult loss to embrace; however, her love of life and people; clever intellect, witty sense of humor and vast accomplishments will continue in all of our hearts. Mrs. Hartsfield was preceded in death by her beloved husband Wallace S Hartsfield, daughter, Ruby Love Smith; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William and Zenobia Hopkins; three sisters, Willa Lee Mullino, Delores Rogers, and Leola Brinson and one brother Charles Hopkins. Mrs. Hartsfield was a faithful Christian and member of Metropolitan Baptist Church in Kansas City for fifty-six years. She contributed to the lives of many - through her witness of God's healing mercies that delivered her from breast cancer. Mrs. Hartsfield was a fifty+ year survivor of breast cancer. Her sheer will to live, strength of character and resilience are testament to her unwavering faith and trust in God. She expressed her thanksgiving and praise for God's goodness and grace in an informal ministry of compassion and support to many women in the community who were confronting a diagnosis of breast cancer and/or undergoing treatment for the same. Matilda Hartsfield loved her family deeply, making numerous sacrifices to ensure that her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were provided with what they needed for successful living. During her life, Mrs. Hartsfield enjoyed many different interests, hobbies and pursuits. An avid bowler for more than 40 years, she developed many friendships during this time. She practiced regularly to hone her skill and perfect her “game” in bowling leagues and local, regional and national tournament competitions. “Tee” received numerous awards and acknowledgements documenting her skill and prowess. In 2009, she was inducted into the Missouri ABC/WIBC Bowling Hall of Fame. Whether it was on the bowling lanes, board or table games, “Tee” was known for her spirit of competition. Her acuity, intelligence and witty conversation was widely recognized and respected earning her a reputation as a fierce and formidable competitor at domino, pinochle, and bridge tables. Mrs. Hartsfield was a sports enthusiast - a "Forever Royal" fan and loyal follower of professional tennis and golf, especially the careers of Tiger Woods and Serena Williams. She also enjoyed watching football and basketball. Mrs. Hartsfield was blessed to be a well travelled woman. Her travels abroad allowed her to visit many places and meet many people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. With this experience, she was able to acquire a fuller appreciation of God’s vast world creation. Mrs. Hartsfield’s international travels took her to the Holy Land on two separate occasions and included many cities and countries on the African, Asian, Europe, North and South American Continents. Notable are countries: Korea, Japan, Brazil, Canada, England, France, Spain, Turkey and China. A trailblazer in her own right; Mrs. Hartsfield cultivated a space for herself in a male dominated profession, earning a Barber’s license in 1970. Mrs. Hartsfield leaves behind to cherish loving memories: daughters, Pamela Faith Harvard and Danise Hope Hartsfield and son Wallace Hartsfield (daughter-in-love Amy Hartsfield). Mrs. Hartsfield is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Amber Smith, William Smith (Tarieka Web), Khalil Owens, Romney Hartsfield, Ryan Hartsfield, Austin Thompson, and Alexandria Thompson; nephew, Mance Mullino, niece Angela Brown and a host of great grandchildren, great nephews and nieces. Matilda Hartsfield lived a fulfilling life. Her legacy of kindness, loyalty, compassion, spirit of competition and zest for living life to its fullest will forever live in the hearts and minds of everyone with whom she interacted. Memorial Service will be held in honor of the life and legacy of Matilda Hartsfield on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. In deference to the safety and health of persons desiring to attend the memorial, the service will be restricted to the first 150. The Church’s Covid-19 safety and health protocol will be in effect that requires screening (temperature check), registering, social distancing and masking upon entering the facility. The Memorial Service will also be live-streamed at https://metrombc.org/worship-online/ Service conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of First Lady Matilda Hartsfield, please visit our floral store. Read More