Celebration of Life Held for Chicago-Area Music Teacher Mattie Robertson
A Life Dedicated to Music
For 70 years, Mattie Robertson shared her gift of music with thousands of people in the Chicago area. On Saturday, she was remembered with a celebration of life by those she influenced and those she inspired.
A Legacy of Music Education
A music teacher at Whitney Young High School and a choir director for some of the area’s largest congregations, Robertson passed away on December 27 at the age of 90. For decades, she taught music at Whitney Young, even writing the school song. After retiring, she continued to stay musically active, directing choirs at several Chicago-area churches.
Impact on Her Students
Hundreds of colleagues and former students filled the First Baptist Congregational Church on the Near West Side to say goodbye to a woman who changed their lives. “Miss Mattie Robertson was my second mom. She always gave us strict guidelines, but nourished us to become the best person we could be,” said former choir member Katherine Monique.
Respect and Admiration
“When you think of Chicago music legends, you think of Mattie Robertson. She was the epitome of gospel grace. She was well respected,” said David Moses. Robertson’s former students said her presence in their lives was Heaven-sent.
A Life of Music
But for Robertson, music was more than just a job. “She loved music. She dreamed music, slept music. She ate music. And so, this was something that was instilled in her as a young child. Even at the age of six, she was playing piano while other kids were playing with dolls,” said Pastor George W. Daniels.
Celebration of Life
During the service, video clips of performances by Whitney Young’s Renaissance Concert Girls’ Chorus, which won multiple awards under Robertson’s leadership, were shown. Her former students said they were still teaching and conducting music as recently as three months ago when some of her former students came together to help her celebrate her 90th birthday.
Conclusion
Mattie Robertson’s legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched through music. Her dedication, passion, and love for music inspired generations of students and will continue to inspire many more.
FAQs
Q: What was Mattie Robertson’s profession?
A: Mattie Robertson was a music teacher at Whitney Young High School and a choir director for several Chicago-area churches.
Q: How long did Mattie Robertson teach music?
A: Mattie Robertson taught music for 70 years.
Q: What was Mattie Robertson’s age at the time of her passing?
A: Mattie Robertson was 90 years old when she passed away.
Q: What was the name of the church where the celebration of life was held?
A: The celebration of life was held at the First Baptist Congregational Church on the Near West Side.
