Donald Little

Almost all of the truths of religion have been attacked by its enemies, but none of them have dared to say I will not die.  We shall all die, great and lowly, rich, and poor; none can avoid it. Death is the golden key that opens eternity. David was a faithful worker, but the time came when his labors were ended and God called him to rest and, in his regard, he has called our much beloved and faithful Deacon, Donald Littles, who was born some 68 years ago. He died, April 6th, 2021. 

When quite a young man, he became a Christian and joined Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. He showed signs of having genuine religion and qualifications of a deacon, so he was ordained as a deacon on February 13, 1994 at Burnett Baptist Church under the pastorage of Dr. J. Allen Caldwell and proved faithful to that office. He was a deacon who was ever ready to go forward and help in every way he could to bring things to pass. He made his way by his work. He was known as the friendly deacon of Hickory Grove Missionary Baptist Church; he was the one deacon who tried to know all the folks regardless of denomination and endeavored to have anything or anybody come to Hickory Grove Missionary Baptist Church that he thought would be a help for the church. 

He loved his church; he enjoyed good preaching and would encourage the speaker with his “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus”. He was a lively stone in the church. To say we will miss him is too mild, yet when a great man like Deacon Littles dies, for years the light he leaves behind, lights the path for others. It does not require great learning to be a Christian, and a worker for the Lord. It only requires an honest heart and the best advantage of anything is work. 

So now this laborious, devoted, trusted, and honored man has finished his course, Hickory Grove Missionary Baptist Church and The Greater Burnett Baptist Church have lost a faithful member; a model deacon; the community has lost a good neighbor and kind loving brother, a thoughtful relative and just a man that could be loved. 

Servant of God,

 well done, thy glorious war fares past,

 the battles fought, the race is won. 

And thou art crowned at last.   

Donald was the youngest of ten children born to the late Willie Lee and Katie Lou Little in Georgiana, Alabama. He was baptized at Friendship Baptist Church at an early age.

 He attended Georgiana Training School/R.L. Austin High School. After full integration he graduated from Georgiana High School.  

During his attendance he excelled in football and loving gained the nickname of “Tick”.

Shortly after graduating high school, he moved to Youngstown, Ohio where he was employed at Ween United Steel. After the steel mills closed, he applied and was hired at General Motors Truck and Bus in Pontiac, Michigan.  He was also custodial supervisor at the Burnette Baptist Church where he remained until his health no longer allowed.  In May 2014 He made his final home in Georgiana, Alabama.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and siblings: Robert Montgomery, Ivory Lee Henry, Willie Earl, Bettye Ann, George and Jimmie Little. Two grandchildren; Kimeshia and Timothy Littles II.

Left to honor his legacy is his wife and best friend for 45 years Pauline; Two sons: Timothy M. Littles (Toccara) Detroit, MI, Rodney P. McMeans(Jessica),Youngstown, OH; Seven grandchildren, 16 Great grandchildren 

One brother and two sisters, Charles Little, Fayetteville, NC, Geraldine Overton, Charlotte, NC and Jeanette Ruffin, Youngstown, OH

We will always cherish his infamous last words “ Wherever you go today, if you can’t take God with you, Don’t GO”!

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