Mary Little was born on March 18th, 1943 to the late John Clark and Jannie Clark, in Little Washington, North Carolina. She was the 7th child out of 11 children in total.

Mary received her formal education at P.S. Jones High School, also in Little Washington, NC. In 1958 Mary and her Fiance Marvin had their eldest daughter Evelyn "Pookie" Little. The following year, in 1959, she gave birth to her second daughter Hilda Little. A year after Hilda's birth, Mary moved her family to Valley Stream, Long Island. There, She worked hard as a live-in housekeeper.

After a couple of years of housekeeping, she decided she wanted a change and made the move to 561 Gates Avenue, in Brooklyn, New York. She started working at a clinic in Astoria Queens where she would work for a few years. Later, she would move on to do clerical work for her sister Mildred and her brother in-law Scott at the Scott Ross Agency.

Mary married her late husband Marvin Little on May 3rd, 1963 in Brooklyn, NY where they continued their life together, along with their two daughters. Later they would be joined by her grandchildren, Saleem, in 1978, and Shawana,in 1985. In 1989, they adopted their son Lorenzo, also known as Te'Quan; and in 1999, they would welcome their youngest grandchild, Shania.

Mary's name was synonymous with her address at 561 Gates Avenue. It was known as a safe, welcoming, and homey space for all who needed it and for those who didn't know that's what they were missing. A true keystone in the community.

Mary enjoyed her life to the fullest. She helped raise her grandkids, as well as all of her nieces and nephews, and even their kids. She had a big heart full of love for those in her life and always had an open door with a warm plate of food for friends and family. Mary enjoyed having a good time, cooking, listening to music, and smoking her cigarettes while happily chatting with friends and family over  a few drinks. She was very outspoken and always told you the truth whether you wanted to hear it or not.

One thing she never  hesitated to do was to give you a piece of her mind. When she gave you that look and started pointing that finger you knew what was coming. That sass never left her even at the very end.That was just who she was, and how she showed her love, especially for her family. She was the true definition of southern hospitality. She was someone who was always there for the people in her life. Even when she didn't have much to give, she would give it anyway to make sure that you were okay.

God sent his angels to carry Mary home on Sunday August 13th. He saw that she was tired and decided it was time to call her home to be with her husband Marvin "Red" Little, her 2 daughters Evelyn and Hilda Little, along with 5 brothers and 4 sisters.

Mary leaves behind to cherish her memories:

her sister Mildred Ross (with her husband Scott). One son Lorenzo "Te'Quan" Little (with his wife Arlinda). Four grandchildren Saleem Little (with his wife Crystal), Shawana White (with her husband Charlie), Shania Francois and Liam Little. Four great grandchildren Tyshawn, Tynesha, Syncire and Syaire. As well as 1 great great grandchild Jasiah. Mary also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews behind that she loved and cherished dearly.