Elder Morris Clifford Little, affectionately known as “M.C.”, a longtime Nicholson resident, passed in peace on Wednesday, September 16, 2015, at the age of 97.
He was born in Wrens, Ga., in 1918, the son of the late Clifford and Mary Smith Little. The only son born of this union, he was preceded in death by his three sisters, Etta Frances, Altia (Ann), and Corine.
Morris loved learning, and at an early age he realized that he wanted to experience a different life than the life he saw in rural Georgia, and education was his ticket. He graduated from Walker Baptist Boarding School in 1937, and continued his studies at Savannah State, graduating number three in his class in 1941 with a B.S. degree in Agricultural Science.
Morris wanted to continue his studies and obtain a master’s degree, but the segregation laws of Georgia would not allow him admission to the state’s graduate schools. M.C. did not allow this to detour him. He refused to accept the limitations placed on him because of his race, and was determined to accomplish his goal. When Georgia law restricted his admission, he found another way to accomplish his goal. He set his sights on Iowa, and on December 18, 1953, he earned a master of science degree in vocational education from Iowa State College.
He married the former Josie Gresham, a school teacher from Burke County, Ga. Josie preceded him in death at the young age of 26 years. Two sons were born of this union, Perry and Jerome.
M.C. raised his sons with the help of their paternal and maternal grandparents. He led them by example, and shared his fondness for learning with his sons and ultimately his grandchildren. He taught them that education was important, as were the pursuit of knowledge, setting of goals and planning for a rainy day.
Upon graduation, M. C. moved to Wadley, Ga., and taught school for several years. He moved to Monroe, Ga., where he was employed as a county extension agent for the University of Georgia’s Agricultural Extension Service. He was promoted at UGA to associate professor of agricultural science, and retired from the position in 1974. Never a man to have idle hands, he began second and third careers. His post retirement jobs consisted of working at Grandview Nursing Home, and working for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, where he was employed as the first African American bailiff. At the age of 80, he officially retired.
He will be fondly remembered by his family and friends as a dedicated and loving father, servant of the Lord, and a man who broke barriers. An honest and frank man, he set the achievement bar high, and desired the best from those around him, and of his children. His home in Nicholson was the summer sanctuary for loved ones. He treasured his family, and was deeply devoted to them. Nephews, nieces and daughter-in-laws were like sons and daughters, and in-laws were fondly remembered on holidays, and by mention in every phone call.
M.C. loved playing card games, completing the daily crossword puzzle, watching sports and was in awe of everything about nature. He could be found at home tending his land, growing blueberries, muscadine grapes, making wine and jam, and maintaining his property. His wooded backyard was a place of solitude and fun. He took his grandchildren on walks through the woods to see the tall trees, wildflowers, deer, squirrels and other animals sharing his land. He never hunted any of the animals because in his mind they were there first. His tag line was, “Give wildlife a chance.” Family time was always important, and although, his children had moved to other states, their bond of love brought them back home on holidays, and during summer vacations.
M.C.’s parents gave him a strong religious foundation. He knew what it was to be obedient to God, and he trained his family to have that same reverence. He gave many years of service to his community in various organizations and to his beloved church, Sardis Presbyterian, where he was known as Elder Little. Anyone visiting him knew to bring Sunday clothes because you would be joining him at church, and Sunday dinner.
He loved Sardis. Over the years he served as an Elder, treasurer, superintendent of Sunday School, Sunday School Teacher, session member, Co-Chair of the 100 Year Celebration, and importantly, a friend and faithful servant. A life-time of church attendance, and dedicated service earned him special seating at Sardis, and respect from his beloved Sardis congregation.
Down time for him was rare. When he did take a break he could be found attending community and church meetings, UGA football games, and socializing with acquaintances, and his special friend Mrs. Mildred Hill (son Jimmy).
His legacy will be continued. His grandchildren, Matthew (Nandie), Marissa (Robert, III) and their mother Pamela Heglar, will have many memories to share with his three great-grandchildren, Reigan, Ivey, and Gabrielle, as will his youngest granddaughter Josie Lauren and daughter-in-law, Sonjia Little. He will be also be remembered by relatives, nieces Clarine Hamilton (Robert), Carol Davis, Irma Clark Coleman, and Victoria Crespo (John); nephew James King (Barbara Ann); cousins, Winfred Smith (Bernice), Orie Johnson (Lillie), and Willie Broadus (Yvonne); and a host of other relatives.
A memorial service commemorating his life will be held Saturday, September 26, at Bernstein Funeral Home, 3195 Atlanta Hwy., Athens, Ga. The family will greet visitors prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m., and the memorial will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Cheryl Hargrove Barnes officiating, and the Rev. R. E. Cooper delivering the Eulogy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sardis Presbyterian Church, 652 Gordon St., Jefferson, GA 30549, for the establishment of a scholarship in honor of Elder Morris C. Little.
Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.
Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, has charge of arrangements.