Mattie Faye Bryce was born on December 23, 1933 in Houston, Texas to her parents, Ernest and Minnie Inez Taylor Samford.  She entered eternal life on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at her home at the age of 87 years.

She married Dillard Ray Bryce on January 15, 1952 in Houston, Texas. Mattie was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.  She is described as being the backbone of her family.  In her prime, she loved to cook and bake and was known for her banana pudding, chocolate and coconut cream pies.

Mattie was a devout Christian.  She was very strong in her faith and believed in the power of Prayer.  She loved the Lord and would preach his word to anyone that would listen.  Mattie also loved to listen to devotionals and music and it was not uncommon to catch her singing along with the songs. She will be sorely missed by every life she touched here on earth.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Dillard Bryce; parents, Ernest and Minnie Samford; daughter, Cynthia Christensen; granddaughter, Melissa Gilbert and sister, Earlene Jernigan.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Alan Barnett of Franklin and Karen and Don Sparks of Cypress; Sister, Dolly Brewer of Madisonville; brother, Elvin Samford of Washington; Grandchildren: Brian Barnett, Chase Barnett, Justin Beisert, Michelle Hymel, Andrew Christensen, Matthew Christensen, Brandon Sparks and Sarah Pace; Numerous Great Grandchildren.  She is also survived by these special ladies that loved and cared for her: Wanda Wilson, Angela Wilson, Stephanie Leija, Jackie Johnson and Kathleen Demeritt.

Services will be held on Monday, May 17, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at the First Baptist Church, Franklin, Texas.  Burial will follow in the Elliott Cemetery in Elliott, Texas.  A visitation will take place from 10:00 A.M.  until service time Monday at the First Baptist Church in Franklin.