Mary grew up playing with cousins on the family farm on Foreside Road, taking tap lessons, playing piano, and singing. She graduated from Brunswick High School in 1939. In 1941 while at Northeastern Business College in Portland, she lived at the YWCA, and played piano for Navy officers at the nightly Sing-Alongs. She got “into the (War) effort” while working at Bath Iron Works, logging the types of aircraft that flew over the busy seaport.
Mary, a fine pianist, met John Clifton (Clif) Little of Elmira, NY, a divinity student, when she accompanied his solo at Berean Baptist Church. The couple were married there on August 31, 1946, and moved to Georgetown, Maine for their first pastorate at Five Islands Baptist Church. Their daughter, Mary Clarice, was born a year later. Mary served as pianist and children’s choir director at various pastorates over the years. During the Korean War, Clif enlisted as Air Force chaplain. The couple served on air bases in Texas, Alaska, and Florida before leaving the military. Clif moved the family to Spokane to teach sociology at Whitworth College in 1964.
Mary enjoyed raising their children, who by now included sons, John Jr., Robert, and daughter Candace. Mary loved to knit, sang in church, and served as choir director for Mission Avenue Presbyterian Church. She was known for her delicious meals and beautiful table enjoyed by friends and family. She went back to work in 1973 as bookkeeper at Sampson Ayers House of Music, retiring in 1985. The couple enjoyed dancing on Saturday nights, volunteering at church, and watching their grandchildren grow.
Mary was preceded in death by her father in 1967, her mother in 1985, and her beloved Clif in 1998. She is survived by her children, Clarice (Robert) McKenney, John (Ann) Little, Bob (Debbie) Little, and Candace (Dwayne) Gremler; 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and numerous cousins.
A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, February 17 at 1:30 p.m. at Moran United Methodist Church, Spokane.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Moran in Mary’s name.
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