Mattie S. Barrett was born in Cleburne, Texas on August 9, 1935. She attended Booker T. Washington High School in Cleburne, graduating Valedictorian of her class. She married James L. Goodman and from this union came 3 daughters, Brenda Ningengi, Cherrie Goodman and Debra Tucker. Later she enrolled in LVN classes at Johnson County Memorial (now named Walls Regional). Mattie continued to study to be a laboratory technologist. This was her life for 42 plus years till retirement. During these years she met and married Denver L. Barrett who, together they founded the East Cleburne Community Center in 1987. Her vision was to have a place for the youth of the city to come and enjoy themselves, and study, learn and fellowship with others. She enjoyed being a charter member of the Board of ECCC. Mattie has fought a good fight and her father called her home on May 21, 2020. She is loved and will be missed. As she leaves for now Brenda, Cherrie, Debra, Marla and Yasmin and numerous other family members.