Homegoing Celebration for Mrs. Mattie Lee "Tot" Barnes McCarr of Tampa, FL who passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2015, will be held on Saturday, October 3rd, 11:00 a.m. at New Progress M.B. Church, 3307 E. Shadowlawn Ave., Reverend E.J. Williams, Sr. Pastor with Reverend John D. Anderson, officiating. The interment will be in Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery. Mattie who was affectionately called, "Tot" by her family and friends was born September 19, 1939 to the late Elijah Barnes and Rosa Bell Barnes. She was a 1958 graduate of Lincoln High School. After graduating high school she attended and graduated from FAMU, where she met Arthur McCarr. From that union their one and only child, Sheldon was born. In 1961, Mattie relocated to Tampa, Florida, where she continued her education. She attended University of Tampa, where she obtained her Master's degree. She was a devoted mother to her only child, Sheldon and to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mattie was also devoted to her community and gave of her time freely. After retiring she devoted her time tutoring children at her church and in her community. She would often donate school supplies to children in her community. Mattie enjoyed spending time at Belmont Height Park watching little league baseball games. She was an avid book reader and book collector. She enjoyed making floral arrangements which were beautifully displayed throughout her home. She was a great cook and enjoyed cooking and baking for her family. She was an active and faithful member of her Church Glorious Church of God in Christ. On the weekends Mattie enjoyed shopping, going to thrift stores and flea markets. She loved and was loved by the Barnes, McCarr and Gambrell families. Her favorite bible verse was Proverbs 3:6 "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your path". Mattie was preceded in death by her parents; Elijah and Rosa Bell Barnes; brother, David Barnes and sister; Martha Miller. She leaves to cherish her memories with her devoted companion, Arthur McCarr, Jr; son, Sheldon McCarr (Jennifer);grandchildren, Kesha McCarr Jarmon (Shaun), Tiffany McCarr Watson (Kevin, Sr.), Keith McCarr (Talia) and Jahla McCarr; great grandchildren, Kaleb Robinson, Kamaya Wilson, Kevin Watson, Jr., Elijah McCarr, Kason Watson, Trinity McCarr, Destiny and Mason Myers and 1 on the way; sisters, Fannie Marshall (William), Lee Etta Proctor (Ernest) of Tallahassee, Florida and Idella Wade of West Palm Beach, Florida; nieces, Jennifer Tims, Sharon Edmonds, Jackie Barnes, Sheila Williams, Stephanie Holmes and Debra Marshall; nephews, Elvin, Cedric, Ernest, Anthony and Lapadre Proctor, William Marshall, Jr. and David Barnes, Jr.; special cousins, Mary Barnes Ball, Carey "Sonny" Barnes, Louis and Jacquelyn Barnes; and a host of other cousins; Mattie's extended family include, Rutha Mae Harris who was like a mother; godmother, Emma House; godson, Henry Boone; goddaughter, Debra Davis; special friends, Lillian Ponder, Betty White, Ernestine Kyle, Monique Kearney, Sarah Campbell, Eva, Pat, Patrick, Laura Ann Thompson, Elder Charles Kennedy, Glorious COGIC family, Johnson family, Emma Ross, Ruby Mitchell, Debra Davis, Everland Brookins, Farris family, Fannie McNeal, Ethel Mae Gambrell and all the educators at Cahoon Elementary. The visitation will be held at Aikens Funeral Home on Friday, October 2nd from 5 to 8 p.m. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. The family and friends are asked to meet at the church on Saturday at 10:45 a.m. for the service.