Saturday, January 02, 2010

Helen Marie Haith Little (1929-2009)

Dec 29, 2009 - 02:37:26 pm CST Yanceyville, NC (The Caswell Messenger) - It is with profound sorrow we announce the death of Mrs. Helen Marie Haith Little of 121 Main St. who died Thursday, December 24, 2009 in the Caswell Home Nursing Facility, Yanceyville, NC. Helen Little is a native of Alamance County, North Carolina. She was born Helen Marie Haith on October 12, 1929, the youngest of seven children, born to her parents, Jasper and Lollie Haith. She was the last surviving of the Haith children. She attended school in Alamance County and graduated high school at the Palmer Memorial Institute in Sedelia, North Carolina. She attended one year of College at Hampton University and one year at the North Carolina Central University at Durham.

She married Thomas A. Little in 1948 and they were the proud parents of one son, Michael. During Michael's early years Helen served as a Cub Scout Den Mother and later as a Scout Master for the Boy Scout Troop until one could be found to take over the Troop. Besides working industrially in the family businesses; whether it was cleaning clothes in the Lea Little Cleaners or pumping gas at the family service station, Helen found time and energy to serve her community in a variety of ways over the past forty years.

Helen was very proud of her appointment as a member of the Caswell County Human Relations Committee, during which time she worked with other committee members to rebuild the peace within the community following the political problems of the 1960's. Helen was also appointed as the first African-American member of the Caswell County Social Service Board. She was also appointed by Governor Scott to the North Carolina State Law and Order Commission where she was instrumental in securing funding for the Caswell County Jail. She was appointed to the North Carolina Board of Transportation by Governor Jim Hunt. During her tenure with the Transportation Board, Helen fought stalwartly for the opening of Highway 86 from Hightower to Prospect Hill. Helen was elected to the Yanceyville Town Council and also appointed to the Caswell County ABC Board.

In addition to her many appointments and elections, Helen served faithfully with her home Church, Pearson Chapel AME Church, as both the Church Treasurer and as a Steward. At the same time, she was a member of the NAACP and served as Secretary and Treasurer of the Caswell Credit Union and as a member of the Caswell County Arts Council.

It is clear that Helen has made unique and formidable contributions not only to the city of Yanceyville and the County of Caswell, but throughout the state of North Carolina. Most recently (January, 2009) she was honored for her many social activities through the Local Chapter of the Boy Scouts, Cherokee District, Old North Council, Boy Scouts of America's "Award of Excellence."

Helen's memory will remain honored by her son, Michael and his wife Patricia. Helen's life touched her granddaughter by marriage, Denise (Stanley), and her loving great granddaughter Simone. Helen will be remembered affectionately by her nephew Tommy, and nieces Patricia, Victoria, Annette and Judy. A loving remembrance will be held by her special great niece, Somalia. Helen will be deeply missed by her dear and loyal friends Pat and William (Jitters) Lea, along with her many other friends and neighbors.

Funeral services for Mrs. Helen Marie Haith Little were held Monday, December 28, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Pearson Chapel AME Church. Pastor Arthur N. Grier II delivered the eulogy. Interment followed in the church cemetery. A viewing was held Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Fulton Funeral Home Chapel. The family at other times may be contacted at her residence 121 Main Street, Yanceyville, NC. All arrangements are entrusted to Fulton Funeral Home, Yanceyville, NC.
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