Mattie Baynard

Mrs. Mattie Baynard of Norfolk, Virginia (85) who was born in February of 1939 in Norfolk, Virginia, passed away from this world to the next on May 6, 2024 in Norfolk, Virginia. She was the second eldest child of Odell W. McCluney and Edward McCluney Sr. (both deceased). She was also predeceased by brothers; James, Arthur and Cleveland Jemerson born in North Carolina, a brother Charles H. McCluney Sr.(Dr. Linda McCluney) and a sister Alma “Kay” McCluney Taylor (Alton Taylor Sr.).

Mattie graduated in 1957 from the historic Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, Virginia; known at that time as The Factory.

Mrs. Baynard was a lifetime member of Grace Episcopal Church, Norfolk, Virginia from childhood where she served many years as the adult choir president, St. Dorothea’s National Altar Guild and who blended her soprano voice into the I. Sherman Greene Chorale and the Grace Episcopal Church Evening Song recitals.

Mattie once worked as a private duty care provider and also a food service worker for Norfolk City Schools. She retired as a teacher’s aide after more than 20 years of employment at several middle schools in the City of Norfolk.

Mrs. Baynard met and remained married to Norman Baynard Sr. for 64 years until his passing in January of 2024. Together they raised five children; Jewell Foster, Windell Baynard Sr. (Mary), Norman Baynard Jr., Alan Baynard and Keith Baynard (Deena), all of Norfolk, Virginia.

Leaving to cherish loving memories of Nana are 8 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. Also to mourn her are two brothers; Professor Edward McCluney Jr. and John McCluney, six sisters; Reverend Ethel Copeland, Scarlett Parson, Constance Berry, Elder Paulette McCluney Williams (Raymond), Marjorie Allen (John), Rose Dykeman, one sister-in-law,  Cornelia Robertson, and two brother-in-laws, Carl Baynard and Harding Baynard, many nieces, nephews and other extended family members, communicants, friends and neighbors.

A special thanks to extended family members for visitation and phone calls, and to her children; Jewell, Keith, and her eldest grandchild, Elizabeth Buchanan for many years of steadfast at-home care. Also thanks to the team services provided by Promedica, Harmony Care and Amedisys, as well as the staff of Sentara Norfolk General Hospital’s River Pavilion Trauma Center for their around the clock care, words of encouragement and kindness during her illness and peaceful transition.

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