Mary O'Dell Littlejohn

Spartanburg, SC- Mary O’Dell Littlejohn, 97, wife of the late H. T. “Tom” Littlejohn, Jr., passed away peacefully at NHC Greenville on Friday, January 8, 2016. Born September 1, 1918 in Liberty, SC, Mary was a daughter of the late Durward G. and Vivian Allgood O’Dell. She was a graduate of Winthrop University, where she later served her beloved alma mater as president of the Alumni Association (1982) and as a member of the Board of Trustees (1986-1994). In 1994, Mary received the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award, which recognizes a Winthrop alumna for selfless dedication of time, energy, and talent in service to others. She was a former member of First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, where she taught Sunday school for many years, and was an active member and director of the Women’s Missionary Union. Mary also served on staff there as Director of Christian Social Ministries. She was active in the Southern Baptist Convention, serving on a number of committees at the state level. Mary received the S.C. Baptist Convention’s E. A. McDowell Award for service. Mary served her Spartanburg community as a member of the Family Care Council, Greater Spartanburg Ministries, and Community Long Term Care. She supported music as a member and officer of Spartanburg Philharmonic Music Club. Mary also volunteered with Mobile Meals and St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic. She was a member of Morningside Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school and served proudly as a deacon (She always wanted to be a deacon in her church). Mary is survived by her four children, H. T. “Tom” Littlejohn, III, David G. Littlejohn, Patricia L. Leonard, and Mary Jane Caruso; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by two brothers, Dr. George O’Dell and Dr. Edward O’Dell. The family would like to thank the staff of NHC Greenville for the love and care they gave to Mrs. Littlejohn for four years. The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 12th, 5-7PM at Dunbar Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 13th, 11AM at Morningside Baptist Church, officiated by Reverend Dr. Kirk H. Neely and Reverend Bob Morgan. Mary was a strong, loving, independent woman who lived a life full of service to others. We are sure that God is putting her to work at this very moment. In remembrance of Mary, memorials may be made to St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic, P O Box 3466, Spartanburg, SC 29304 or to Winthrop University, Office of Admissions, Rock Hill, SC 29733.