Mother Mattie Lee Cave-Miller

With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we celebrate the homegoing of Mattie Miller, affectionately known by many as “Motherdear”. She peacefully transitioned on October 1, 2025, in her home in Columbia, South Carolina, at the age of 91.

Born on July 27, 1934, in Allendale, South Carolina, to the late Joseph and Viola Cave, Mattie was the heart of her family — a nurturer, a caretaker, one who loved God’s Word.  Her life was a testament to faith, strength, generosity, and unwavering love.

Mattie had a remarkable gift for caring for others. She devoted much of her life to caring for children — Her gift for caregiving stretched across generations. She lovingly raised her own children, nurtured countless grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and became a second mother to many in her extended family, church, and community. Her gift of service extended into her work as a food service worker for the South Carolina Correctional Facility, where she carried out her duties with strength and respect for others.

Mattie’s legacy lives on through her loving children: Theresa Anthony, Bishop Tracy Howard (Sarah), Dr. Florence Cuttino (Conte), and Clyde Easter. She was blessed with a beautiful and ever-growing family that includes grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom were touched by her love, and wisdom.

She is also survived by her siblings whom she loved dearly with a special bond: Emma Jones, Geneva Johnson, Celestine McKnight (London), James Cave (Cassandra), her dear sister-in-love, Sharon Boston, and her God-Children, Dr. Tammy Riley, Evangelist Wanda Jones, and Jaynese Jones all of whom remained close and deeply connected to her heart; and a beloved friend, Mr. Rosco Jefferson.

Mattie was welcomed into eternal rest by her children, Ernest Roulhac and Tyrone Howard, Sr.; her siblings, Lorraine Jones, Joseph Cave Jr., and John Cave; and her parents, Joseph and Viola Cave.

Mattie loved and served, and she did both with her whole heart. Whether through her infamous three-day Thanksgiving celebrations full of laughter, food, family and friends from all over. Her crocheted creations and her famous ice box cake were symbols of the love she poured into everything she did.

Above all, Mattie was a servant of God. She gave her life to Christ at a young age at Mount Calvary Pentecostal Faith Church, under the leadership of Mother Rosa Horn,400 Lenox Ave, NYC (Harlem), NY. After many years she rededicated her life back to God at Holy Ghost Pentecostal Faith Church under the leadership of Elder G. Brewington, NYC (Harlem)NY. Soon after she followed her son Tracy to Columbia, South Carolina, where she became a founding member of True Gospel Ministries, serving faithfully for 10 years.  Even when she later returned to New York, her heart remained connected to her church family in South Carolina, where she continued to support the ministry with prayers and monetary gifts of love. She also found joy serving at Morning Star Full Gospel Assembly Under the late Bishop Harris and then under Bishop Rubin. S. Thompson of the Bronx, NY.  However, distance never dimmed her devotion to God, and servitude to others— she also supported God’s Acres in the Dominican Republic by sowing seeds of hope with her prayers, letters, and financial gifts.

In 2023, Mattie returned to Columbia, South Carolina to be closer to her children and loved ones. Until her very last breath, she praised God and thanked Him for His goodness. Her life was full, her heart was grateful, and her faith never wavered. To know Motherdear was to love her. Even in her final days, Motherdear never stopped serving. She encouraged her family and friends, prayed for her family and friends, and gave words of wisdom to those around her.

Mattie “Motherdear” Miller was a woman of remarkable grace and unwavering devotion. She gave, she loved, she prayed — and she never stopped believing in the power, and the goodness of God. Her life was full, her heart was grateful, and her faith never wavered. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and fierce love.

Although our hearts ache in her absence, we rejoice in the knowledge that she transitioned surrounded by her children and family and is at peace, wrapped in the arms of the Savior.

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