Mattie Bell Fisher Rouse

Sunrise April 9, 1940- Sunset March 1, 2026

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven."

Ecclesiastes 3:3

A Time to Be Born: Mattie was born April 9, 1940 in Lenior County, North Carolina to Cora Exum Fisher and Samuel Fisher Sr. who both proceeded her in death. She was the youngest sibling to Henry Fisher (deceased), Pearlie Mae Isler (Kinston, NC) and Samuel Fisher Jr. (Richmond, VA)."  Her early Christian started as a member of Jericho A.M.E. Zion Church, Kinston, North Carolina.

A Time to Plant: For Mattie the seed of education was planted in the home and in Sunday School. She graduated from Savanah High School then went on to attended NC Central school of nursing. However, her education and career took a turn when the love of her life ask for her hand in marriage in 1963. Emphur and Mattie grew a few miles apart and to their union Darryl Q. Rouse (Picayune, MS), Terita Stevenson (James) Hedgesville, WVA, Deidra-Telisa James (Marcus) Hampton, VA, Derrick E. Rouse (Kathy) Jacksonville, NC and Tonya Rouse-Mills (Troy) Prince William County, VA were born.

A Time to Speak: Mattie followed Earl around the global as his career as a USAF airmen took them from the mid-west of Nebraska, to the freezing cold of Upstate New York, the beautiful islands of Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Japan to the remote country of Turkey. Throughout their travels they added children, friends and embraced new family members along the way.

A Time to Love:   Mattie's generous heart and love of children guided her to be a foster Mom while living in Aguadilla, PR, becoming a member of The Order of Easter Star who's purpose is dedicated to charity, truth, and loving-kindness, to obtain her BS degree in Sociology from the University of Maryland (Japan) and ending with teaching early childhood education at each new duty station thereafter. After 30 years of following her sweetheart around the world, upon on his return from Egypt they made their final home in Hampton, VA to mentor and help raise her grandchildren, the second loves of her life. Mattie poured her whole heart and soul into each and every one of her fourteen 'grandchildren'.  Giving of her time, unconditional love and support.

A Time to Die: Mattie passed from labor to reward on March 1, 2026 at home.

A Time to Mourn: Mattie leaves us with joys and sorrows – Joys for the many cherished, loving and rich memories; sorrows because of her leaving her earthly body. Her devotion to her family, friends and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has been the guiding light throughout Mattie's life.

She is survived by her husband and best friend of over Sixty-two years Emphur Earl, five children, twelve grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, a sister and brother, two brother-in-law's, four sister-in-laws, and a host nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Hampton Healthy Families Address: 100 Old Hampton Ln, Hampton, VA 23669 Phone: (757) 727-1300

Or

Centurion Interdenominational Church

https://centurioninterd.securepayments.cardpointe.com/pay

Address: Casemate 22, 54 Bernard Rd, Fort Monroe, VA 23651

P.O. Box 3173, Hampton, VA 23663   Phone: (757) 637-6390

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 17, 2026 from 11:00 am until 5:00 p.m. at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News, Va. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. March 18, 2026 at Centurion Interdenominational Church, 134 Bernard Road, Ft. Monroe. Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens.