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No longer by our side, but forever in our hearts.
Mary Ann Littlejohn peacefully transitioned from her earthly home into heavenly rest on May 9, 2026. She was born on November 16, 1963, to the late Jimmy Lee Littlejohn and Willie Frances Johnson Littlejohn.
A native of Asheville, North Carolina, Mary received her education in the Asheville City School System. She was a true humanitarian with a gracious, kind spirit. Mary was a social butterfly whose warm, affectionate smile could light up any room. In just one conversation, you could feel the genuine kindness and love in her heart. Mary worked for many years as a home health aide and was a natural caregiver, always putting the needs of others before her own. When she was not working, she devoted her time to volunteering.
One of the ways Mary most expressed love was through food. She was truly gifted in the kitchen. For more than 15 years, Mary volunteered as a cook at Haywood Street Congregation Church. She also dedicated countless hours to their community garden. Her impact there is permanently honored in a Fresco at Haywood Street, where her image is displayed prominently front and center.
Mary was a member of St. John Baptist Church for many years and served under the current Pastor Gwendolyn Jones. She served with the hospitality team at most events and services at St. John. She also served on the Usher Board and a greeter, welcoming people with her contagious smile and loving hugs!! No matter the struggles of life, Mary knew that Jesus was the rock of her salvation and the sustainer of her life! Mary had a servant heart, and that heart St. John will forever miss!
Mary’s advocacy never sought recognition; it came from pure love - love for her people, her community, and her neighborhood. Her passing leaves a deep silence in the community she helped build and protect, but her legacy lives through the many lives she touched. She was one of a kind a true advocate, a guiding light, and a woman whose impact will never fade.
Mary leaves to cherish her loving memory her children Tameka Wilson (Kadeem), Montreal Littlejohn, and Brandy Littlejohn, her grandchildren Sequoyah Burt, Terrence Burt, Jr., Taquala Burt, Nazae Mayweather, Talone Burt, Nuri Bethea, Malayja Bethea, Nashin Lytle, Montreal Littlejohn, Jr., and Tredlyah Littlejohn, eight great-grandchildren, her siblings Lucinda Green, Eddie Green, Jr., and Anthony Littlejohn, three special aunts, Carolyn Sweezy, Ella Marzelle, and Betty Salters, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
In Loving Memory of Mom
You were the quiet strength in my hardest days,
The gentle voice that helped me find my way.
Your hands gave comfort, your heart gave freely,
And your love remains with me completely.
Although I walk this road apart,
Mom, you will always be in my heart.
Your kindness lives in all you taught.
In every memory, laugh, and tear,
I feel your love forever near.
Though my heart is heavy today,
Your light will never fade away.
You leave behind no empty space,
Just love woven through this place.
Rest well Mary, your work here is done.
Your peaceful journey has now begun.
With love, Your daughter, Tameka
One of a Kind
She was one of a kind from the very start,
With gentle hands and a giving heart.
A light so warm, a soul so rare,
She filled each moment with love and care.
Her laughter danced like morning sun,
Bringing joy to everyone.
Through every trial, through every day,
Her strength and grace would lead the way.
She gave without expecting more,
Leaving kindness at every door.
A listening ear, a steady hand,
A precious soul few could understand.
Though tears may fall and hearts may ache,
Her love is far too deep to break.
For in our memories, she will stay,
Still guiding us along life’s way.
Scripture: Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
A Funeral Service to honor the life of Mary will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at The Haywood Street Congregation (297 Haywood St.), at 1pm. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Viewing will be held at Avery's Memorial Chapel on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 12pm - 7pm. The service will be live streamed on Avery's Memorial Chapel's Facebook page.
Flowers are appreciated and memorials can be sent to Haywood Street Congregation Church, PO Box 2982, Asheville NC 28802 or St. John Baptist Church, 67 St John Rd, Fletcher, NC 28732
"A wonderful life of service to others."
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