It is with great sadness that the family of Mae G. Littrell announces her passing after a courageous fight against cancer, on Thursday, October 11, 2018, at the age of 78 years. Mae was surrounded in a circle of family love, who had gathered to support her as her spirit was welcomed home. Each family member provided comfort in their own unique way and spoke lovingly to her, doing their best to comfort and remind her how much she was loved. Her husband, Howard, the love of her life, was by her side and comforted and reassured her by holding her hand.
Mae will be lovingly remembered by her husband Howard of 34 years, his children David and Chyrel, his stepchildren Donna, Rick, Ben, Bobbi, Joe, Dan, Lucky, and her sister Alma. Mae was a beloved grandmother and great grandmother and showered her love on Amir, Ramin, Sheva, Thomas, Vanessa, Anthony, Kyle, Scarlett, William and Liam. All who knew her loved her. During her life she played “foster” parent and friend to many, especially the Barefoot Bay clan, who adored her for the unconditional love that poured from her heart.
A funeral service and viewing in memory of our beloved Mae will be held on Wednesday, October 17 at Fountainhead Funeral Home. A viewing will be held from 9:30 -10:30 am. A funeral service will begin at 10:30 am. A lite snack and time to be with the family follow the entombment at Fountainhead Memorial Park, 7359 Babcock St. SE, Palm Bay. Those who desire may make memorial donations in memory of Mae to the Cancer Care Centers Foundation, a local cancer charity.
Mae was born in 1939 in Sand Gap, Kentucky to Ira and Dorothy Northern. She grew up on a farm, helping her mom, Dorothy with the many chores and spent many hours in the tobacco fields, cutting tobacco worms and helping care for their main cash crop. She helped milk the cows, fed the chickens, carried the water, baked the biscuits, canned the surplus garden produce, and many other chores of farm life. This was a different era, and her mom Dorothy always made sure they had the best food, even though money was scarce. While there may have been little money, unconditional love was abundant. Dorothy’s cooking was as amazing as was the quality of love that she shared with Mae and her sister Alma. Mae graduated with her high school diploma, going to Washington DC for with the class to celebrate. Mae was a beautiful woman, both inside and out and you can still see her deep capacity to love in our cherished photos of her. And yes, she did have to walk to school for miles through the snow.
Mae moved to Ohio and worked in a drug store for her first job. There, she started a family and lived in Dayton, Ohio, working in the factory to support the family. City life was not for the family, so they loaded up the truck and moved to Florida, hillbilly style.
Our Mae was the most amazing mom. She put the needs of her children above her own. She was the steady force that kept the family together and worked tirelessly as the main breadwinner. Mae was talented and smart. With her kind demeanor, good looks, and incredible work ethic, she quickly became the manager of the 7 Eleven in Barefoot Bay. Her mom also moved to Florida to be closer to her daughter Mae. Our funny hillbilly history was that our Mom’s mom married our dad’s brother, Uncle Bill. Grandma and Uncle Bill were also the backbone of our family. Ah, but that’s another love story…
It was the mercy and grace of our Lord that brought Mae and Howard together in 1983. They met at the 7-ELEVEN. Who knew you could find true love and the best coffee in town in that small retirement community called Barefoot Bay. The 7-Eleven was an unofficial community center. Mae and Howard presided as the unofficial adopted parents of the Barefoot Bay Gang, where they were a loving presence for many kids who faced the challenges of growing up in today’s world.
Howard and Mae married on March 14, 1984. They had so much in common. They were both from Kentucky and had grown up 120 miles from each other. Together, they created their dreams. They built three houses together. They enjoyed their lives together, both loving each other as much as the other. They never fought or wasted time on the frivolous things of life. They made a pact when they said “I do” to always love and cherish each other, for their entire lives. They created many happy memories together and for their families. They provided a shelter in the storm of life for their children, grandchildren, and great grand children. They took care of Mae’s dad until he passed and and later did the same for Grandma and Uncle Bill. They took care of Bill Jr. They helped their family on their building projects and watched the “kids” whenever they could. They instilled the best qualities of themselves into their families. They hosted many family holiday gatherings. Since Mom’s birthday was November 27, Thanksgiving was particularly special. On these family days, we gathered and shared our hearts with each other. We also shared the best food. Special favorites were Pop’s Pop’s scalloped potatoes and mom’s fruit cobbler and turkey dressing from her Mom’s recipe.
Over their many years together, they worked hard together but they enjoyed each other’s company so much that time seemed to fly. They took time to enjoy life too and traveled frequently to her family reunions in Kentucky and visited his family in Virginia. It was perfect.
In 2010, Mae was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. This was the same cancer that her mom, Dorothy had taken radiation treatments for as well. Dorothy had done okay with the treatments but this type of bone cancer is stubborn. Mae started the treatments after her and Howard met with the best doctors they could find. Mae didn’t do as well as her mom with her treatments and they really did a number to her and her kidneys. After completing the treatments, Mae and Howard went to Donna and Rick’s gym, working out and really doing her best to recover. For several years it seemed that she could recover. We were all hopeful and tried to encourage and help, but the cancer was stubborn. Mae was a dialysis patient for eight years. Howard was by her side all the way and always took her to all of her medical appointments. Howard supported Mae with 100 percent of his attention and care. He made sure that she had the best doctors and care that they could find. Money was no object!
It was God’s mercy and grace that brought these two together and it was his mercy and grace that took her home. As her cancer progressed, her body became very painful for her to be in. Howard did his best to make sure she was comfortable and had anything she wanted. He provided care and companionship, standing by her side when she needed him most. The Littrell-Fisher clan would like to honor our Pop Pop, whose devotion and dedication to our beloved Mae was absolute. Howard was Mae’s Rock. We appreciate all he did for her. We honor the memory of Mae Littrell, devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, wife, and friend of whomever knew her. Her love was special, unconditional, and true. We will hold her in our hearts forever.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FountainheadFuneralHome.com for the Littrell family.
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