Shirley Louise Little Dawson Martin

Shirley L. Little Dawson Martin, widow of the late Ellis Martin, was born in Abbeville, SC. She was the daughter of the late Major and Eloise Little. She departed this earthly life on January 14, 2026 at AnMed Medical Center in Anderson, SC.

She accepted Christ and joined Shady Grove AME Church. She served faithfully in various roles. She was a Church Steward, member of Sarah AK Jones Missionary Society, Ladies Home Aide Society #107 and Vice President of Shady Grove AME Kitchen Committee and served as a Class Leader.

She retired from SC Department of Health as a Home Caregiver and worked faithfully as a neighborhood servant. She also did private caregiving as needed after retirement.

Shirley was a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, Auntie, great Aunt, sister-in-love and had a huge heart for family. She will truly be missed by all. She was an excellent
cook and looked forward to family gatherings. Family was her life!

She leaves to cherish her memories a daughter, Donna A. Dawson (Wallace) of Marietta, GA; three sons, Ricky (Julia) Little of West Palm Beach, FL, Everett (Debra) Dawson of Eastman, GA and Todd (Pamela) Dawson of Rex, GA. One brother, Elder Bobby (Meta) Little of College Park, GA; bonus daughter, Lynn (Clyde) Wardlaw of Antreville, SC. A host of grandchildren, great-grands and great-great grands, nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews, many other family members and a loving community of friends.

She was preceded in death by one sister, Mary L. Brown; three brothers, Francis Little, John Little and William (Jo Lewis) Little and other family members.

Finally, Shirley L. Little Dawson Martin was a faithful die-hard Atlanta Braves fan, and her favorite NFL team was the San Francisco 49ers. Well done thy good and faithful servant, take your rest Queen…

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley Louise Little Dawson Martin, please visit our floral store.