Mary Nell Little Easterling

Mary Nell (Little) Easterling, “Blue-eyed Mary”, 86 went to be with the Lord Sunday, November 13, 2011 surrounded by her family. She was born in Mize, Ms on January 7, 1925 to Leon and Hettie Bryant Little. She had three brothers and three sisters. She grew up in a hard working Christian family. Mary loved to remember her childhood days especially playing basketball at school. Her senior school year, 1942-1943, the Mize Bulldogs won every game played including the State Championship, a record that still stands unbroken today.

She met the love of her life, Odis Easterling of Polkville. They married and lived in Pearl for 55 years and had four wonderful children and a very loving granddaughter, Mary Heather, who loved her very much.

Mary worked at South Central Bell in Atlanta, Miami and in Jackson. Her love of basketball continued as she played on the South Central Bell basketball team. She then worked at Sears until she retired. After retirement, Mary bought and sold real estate. Mary loved her community. She was responsible for the City of Pearl Fire Department getting to have the first thermal imaging camera in Mississippi. Through her determination she took less than two weeks to raise the money. The firefighters were astounded that a 72 year old lady did this.

Mary loved God and served Him as a member of Antioch Baptist Church. She was a loving Christian woman and enjoyed working in her yard. She also loved listening to gospel, Johnny Cash and Elvis music. She will be missed by all who loved and knew her, especially her family.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Odis Easterling and son, Randy Easterling.

She is survived by her, son, Richard Easterling of Brandon; daughters, Cynthia Brown of Brandon and Myra Brown of Florence; sister, Rachel St. Angelo; 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Special thanks to her nurse Mike Moore, and Anetta, Michelle, Mary and Mylasha.

Visitation will be Wednesday, November 16, 2011 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. Funeral services will be Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 2pm in the funeral home chapel with interment to follow at Floral Hills Memory Gardens.