Mary Martin Hassell Little

Mary Martin Hassell Little, 83, died at home on November 28, 2018. She was born on May 7, 1935, in Durham, NC to Herman L. Hassell and Allene Brinkley Hassell. She was predeceased by her parents, twin brother Alfred S. Hassell, and her husband Daniel Laban “Labe” Little. Mary Martin was a graduate of Durham County Schools. She graduated from Duke University with a degree in English. Further graduate work included a Master’s degree in Information Services and advanced certification in Education Administration. An avid book lover, Mary Martin spent most of her 34 years as an educator in the field of library sciences. She taught English in Albemarle, NC before becoming an elementary school librarian in Salisbury. She then served as librarian at Knox Junior High and spent several years before her retirement in 1995 as supervisor of the libraries in the Rowan-Salisbury Schools. Mary Martin loved working with children, young people, teachers and librarians. Her enthusiasm for sharing books, stories and teaching techniques was boundless. She continued to share her love for reading after her retirement by participating in several book clubs. Mary Martin also taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School, as well as serving as President of the Women of the Church and Elder of Second Presbyterian Church. Mary Martin was a “tinkerer” who loved putting things together and figuring out how things work. The last few years, Mary Martin has resided in The Gables at Kepley Farm where she found a wonderful community of caring people in whom she delighted. Her finest accomplishments came as a wife and mother. She was devoted to her husband, Labe Little, with whom she shared a life of love and laughter in Salisbury and in Holden Beach. She was a loving mother to her three children who will treasure the time spent with her. Mary Martin is survived by her three children, Lane Yow and husband David of Fuquay-Varina, Anne Little and Dan Little of Winston- Salem, two grandchildren, Carole Yow Guttery and husband Derek of Raleigh, and Chris Yow of Willow Spring, and one great-grandchild, Carson Guttery. An informal gathering to remember and honor Mary Martin will be held on Sunday, December 2 from 2-4pm in the clubhouse at the Gables at Kepley Farm off of Faith Road in Salisbury. In accordance with her wishes, a private family inurnment will be held separately. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice in her memory. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Little family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneral.com.

Mary Martin Hassell Little

May 7, 1935 - November 28, 2018