Chesapeake – Mattie Cuffee Sivels of Chesapeake passed away February 20, 2011. She was born and raised in Norfolk County, now Chesapeake, to the late Odell and Leolious Cuffee. She was married to Mr. William S. Sivels Sr. Their union was blessed with thirteen children.

She graduated from Providence High School in 1947. Mattie was a member of Gabriel Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, where she had previously been very active with the church chorus as a pianist, soloist, and Sunday school teacher. She was predeceased by sons, Thomas and Karl Sivels; and a daughter, Kim M. Sivels. Leaving to cherish her memories includes her husband of sixty-four years, William S. Sivels, Sr. Seven daughters, Casandra Sivels, Gwendolyn Bell (James), Devone Simmons (special friend James), Tonia Brown, Etta Sivels, Connie McMurrin (Perry), Erica Bell (James); and a foster daughter, Tryna Cuffee all of Chesapeake, VA. Three sons, William S. Sivels Jr. (Sandra) of Richmond, VA, Leander W. Sivels Sr. (Connie) Christopher G. Sivels Sr. both of Chesapeake, VA; and a foster son, Lawrence C. Brickhouse (Bea) of Philadelphia, PA. One sister, Vernetta R. Cuffee of Chesapeake, VA; twenty-one grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, four sisters-in-law, and a host of caring nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will truly miss Mattie's presence, warm smile, and magnetic personality.

A homegoing service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 26, at Gabriel Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church. Interment will follow at Roosevelt Memorial Park. Viewing will be from 3pm to 7pm on Friday, February 25 at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, 500 Liberty Street, Chesapeake, Virginia 23324. Online guestbook at www.pretlowandsons.com .