Mattie Zenobia (Jobe) Pinkerton

Mattie Zenobia Pinkerton

June 26, 1933 – May 18, 2022

Mattie was the proud matriarch of the Pinkerton Family.

Born in Camden, Mississippi and the first born child to Earnest (1905-1977) and Bessie Jobe (Love) (1914-1979), she attended Conway High School in Kosciusko, Mississippi.  Mattie was a star player on the girls’ basketball team, her coach and teammates affectionately referred to her “Big Matt”.

On October 2, 1942 her father was drafted into the United States Army to serve in World War II, shortly afterwards, she began living with her grandparents, Felix Love (Papa Felix) and Mary Mamie (Mama Dump) (LeFlore).  After high school graduation in 1951, Mattie joined her mother by relocating to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

In 1958 she married Fred Pinkerton and had six children; Gary (Ahmad), Denice (Siti), Debbie, Stevie, Suzanna and Kimberly Ann.

Mattie’s work ethic was unmatched and she believed in doing what was necessary to care for her children.  She eventually took a position at the YMCA as a Salad Girl.

Mattie was born with the gift to make all things beautiful especially hair, but also her home and garden.  She furthered this passion by attending the Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) Beauty School of Cosmetology in Milwaukee, WI.  Immediately after graduation, she was hired as a Cosmetologist at Gimbels Department Store.

In 1969, she purchased her first home in Milwaukee, where she lived her remaining years. 

For the next several years, Mattie worked for Milwaukee Public Schools and was employed as a Crossing Guard.  In 1978 Mattie became a single parent and continued raising her children.  Her long standing passion of becoming an entrepreneur was realized that same year; becoming the proud owner and proprietor of a tavern, aptly named “Mattie’s Place”, located on the corner of 5th and North Avenue in Milwaukee. 

In 1980, she decided to broaden her education, again enrolling at MATC and studied Childhood Education. She secured her first teaching position at La Escuela Fratney Elementary School after completing her education pursuits.  For the following 17 years, she worked with the Milwaukee Public School System as a Handicapped Children’s Assistant until her retirement on October 4, 2008. 

Mattie was an avid reader, enjoyed playing the card game Pitty Pat, and enjoyed visits from her family.

In addition to her 6 children, Mattie is survived by her 3 sisters: Amanda Jane Wilder, Dorothy Jean Bailey and Jackie Faye Wilder; 13 Grandchildren, 16 Great Grand Children and 24 Great, Great Grand Children, and a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and extended family members and friends.

A pillar of health and strength, Mattie will be missed by those she touched both near and far.

Visitation will be held for Mattie on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, from 3:00pm until the time of the funeral services at 4:00pm, all at Jelacic Funeral Home, Inc., 5639 West Hampton Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53218. 

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