On Monday, February 6th, Mattie Louise Havens, passed away at the age of 99 in her Dallas home.
A “going home” service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 11, 2023 at the Cowboy Campgrounds in Coleman County.
She was born in Caro, Texas in Nacogdoches County to parents, Frank and Wiley Lee on November 10th, 1923. She came to know the Lord at an early age and spent many hours crying out to him in those Nacogdoches fields. She grew up with 3 brothers and a sister and spent much time in competitive play as they roamed through watermelon fields and skipped through creeks.As a young girl, she traveled to Mexico through the mission board to minister to the Mexican people. She later attended Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches and then taught at Douglas and Lancaster High School.
Lucy met George Havens, a Hollywood stuntman turned evangelist, and married becoming partners in spreading the Gospel. True to her calling to Mexico, they would travel each year with loads of food and clothes and tracts. The Little George Havens Cowboy Camp Meeting they founded in 1966. Even after George’s passing, Lucy continued organizing it each year until age 96.
Ms. Havens was awarded Community Worker of the year for her efforts in reaching out in her neighborhood through backyard Christmas and Easter backyard programs. She was an Honorary Member of the Christian Motorcyclists and a member of the Western Heritage Cowboy Church. She was a member of the NRA and a proud Republican. She loved her country and prayed daily for those serving. She was so proud of her brothers and nephews that had served in the military. She was known for her quick witted humor, fierce determination, and generous spirit. Much to the fear of her family and friends, she would often let strangers stay with her. Lucy had a passion for ice cream, Dr. Pepper, and anything in chocolate. If she were here today, she would be challenging you to exercise with her.Until age 98, she was able to bend and touch the floor with flat palms. “Gotta keep moving” she often proclaimed. Her greatest goal in her long life was to follow God’s calling to spread the Gospel and she did everywhere she went; the doctors’ offices, the grocery store, or even the drivers’ license bureau. You couldn’t be in a hurry with her because she would have to talk with everyone and share that beautiful smile. Scripture memorizing was important to her and she was able to recite verses as well as chapters. God blessed her with an amazing memory well up into her 90’s. She was also known as a prayer warrior, It was like to she had a direct line to God and often people called upon her to pray for their needs because of this. If Lucy were here today, she would tell you that you need to get right with the Lord. She has led so many through the plan of salvation. Those will share Christ with others and it continues on. What a great legacy to leave! Lucy Havens leaves behind many nieces and nephews and friends and neighbors who are rejoicing with her as she sits at the feet of her Savior.