Mattie Stephenson was born on August 16, 1855. She volunteered with the Red Cross Association to help nurse the sick. She traveled to Memphis to help those who were suffering from Yellow Fever in Memphis, Tennessee. Yellow Fever is a deadly disease that started in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the year 1793.

Shortly before Ms. Stephenson started doing her volunteer work for the Red Cross, her heart was broken by her fiancé who left her for another woman. After coming to Memphis to help Yellow Fever victims, she contracted the disease after only working for a week. She lived for only 18 days and died on May 12, 1873.

Volunteers such as Mattie often contracted the disease. The Red Cross and others who tried to help were greatly appreciated. Mattie Stephenson is buried in Elmwood Cemetery and is sadly missed by many people. A monument in Elmwood Cemetery offers a testimony to her compassionate service to others.