Friends of local children’s librarian Mattie Rials — known to generations as Miss Mattie — gathered Friday to reminisce with with a “This is Your Life” program to fund Excel By 5 and the McComb Library.
The “Excel-a-bration” was held at the McComb High School auditorium. Guests honored Rials’ 80th birthday, her 39th year as children’s librarian with the Pike-Amite-Walthall Library System, and her unique way of bringing laughter and sunshine to hundreds of children in southwest Mississippi.
Terri Barnes emceed the event in a comical incarnation of the famous and well-loved character Scooter Mouse, created by storyteller Miss Mattie.
Scooter Mouse made the event a fun-filled trip down memory lane. The program featured Jeff Daughdrill, one of Rials’ former kindergarten students; and Rials’ longtime friend, Lidell Hemeter, who shared memories of their years at McComb High School, where Rials was a cheerleader and in 1949 was the school’s first homecoming queen.
Also on the program were lifelong friend Donald Dick, former P-A-W director Toni James and current library system director Darlene Morgan.
The event was a fundraiser for the library system and Excel By 5, an early childhood community and school initiative.
Event co-organizer Tina Brumfield estimated some 300 people attended.
“We were pleased with the turnout, and ecstatic over the contributions,” she said.
The fundraiser, which included a special after-party at the home of Wayne and Susan Dowdy brought in just over $6,000. Brumfield said $3,000 will go to the library system and $3,000 will go to the McComb Early Childhood Foundation.
“We want to encourage everyone to keep the contributions coming for these two worthy causes,” Brumfield said.
Carol Rawlings, who heads the local Excel By 5 campaign, said funds will go toward renovating a resource house for early childhood education at 227 S. Myrtle St. in McComb.
She said others in the community are pitching in, too.
“McComb Schools donated the building to us and have renovated it inside and out,” Rawlings said. “The Junior Auxiliary is busy painting inside and cataloging the books that have been contributed to us.”
She said McComb’s Excel By 5 program will get its final certification next week and she hopes the new resource center opens in a few weeks.
Rawlings and husband, McComb Mayor Whitney Rawlings, greeted guests and the mayor presented a proclamation to Rials from the City of McComb.
The proclamation recognized Rials’ years of service as a kindergarten teacher, librarian, storyteller, and volunteer for nursing home residents and hospice patients.
Morgan, who has led the library system since 2004, said when she attended her first McComb Christmas parade she realized she was working alongside a celebrity.
“Whenever our float came by, no one was worried about throws or candy, they were only interested in greeting Miss Mattie. There were high-fives everywhere,” Morgan said.
Morgan pointed to many of the accolades Rials has received, including the Oliver Emmerich Citizen of the Year by the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and the 1988 Citizen of the Year. She also has earned national awards from publishers and literacy organizations.
Hemeter recalled her school days with Rials when they were cheerleaders, and she told of the first years of Miss Mattie’s Kindergarten.
“Fun things always happened at Miss Mattie’s,” Hemeter said. “She taught them manners, to love one another and to love stories.”
Former kindergarten student Jeff Daughdrill recalled anticipating the red school bus that Rials used for years to go around picking up students. He said he couldn’t wait to get to school each day.
“One of the things about Miss Mattie’s was that I always left there happy. I never wanted to leave,” he said.
Daughdrill spoke of the many handmade cards and painted rocks he’s received over the years from Rials. And he wondered how many other people have been touched by such thoughtful gifts.
Rev. Dick, pastor of First Christian Church of McComb, said, “Her greatest gift is bringing happiness to other people. We needed to honor her and celebrate her. And in all the years I have known her I have never heard her say a disparaging word about anyone.”
Dick recalled the 25 years of the Joy Bells, a handbell choir made up of Miss Mattie’s special-needs friends.
“Anyone who knows her knows she doesn’t like recognition,” Dick said, recalling anonymous acts of kindness she planned with him, swearing him to secrecy.
“Her love of people motivated her to do these things. That’s the kind of Christian you want to be. She used her gifts from God to bring people happiness,” Rev. Dick said. “She has always been about love and giving. We look forward to many more years of laughter and sunshine from Miss Mattie.”
The program also featured special songs by the children’s choir from McComb First Baptist Church, Miss Mattie’s Friends of the Library, members of her Wednesday Friends program, and a special rendition of “Jesus Loves Me,” by Camp Sunshine Camper Willie Hill.
“Hello Miss Mattie,” Hill said as he took center stage, “Hello Mother, friend. I love you.” Hill then led the crowd in singing “You are my Sunshine” to their favorite storyteller.
To make Excel By 5 contributions, send checks or money orders to the McComb Early Childhood Foundation, 521 Louisiana Ave., McComb, MS 39648.
Send donations to the Pike-Amite-Walthall Library System to 1022 Virginia Ave., McComb, MS 39648.
