Who’s Been Around The Neighborhood Awhile? - The Little's

by Barbara DeCofano

Mike Little, NCAC’s new Custodian, is the son of our own Ilene Little. Mike’s wife, Mary, who often helps him, always wears a warm smile and gives great hugs.

Mary was born in Tillamook, Oregon, and gradually made it to Redding. She graduated from Shasta High School. She became a beautician, married in 1970, moved to Burney and had three daughters, Raelene, Corie and Sheena. She lived in Burney 34 years and became a single mom working at Safeway. One customer frequently shopped Safeway although he worked at Holiday…enter Mike.

Mike was born at Edwards Air Force Base in Lancaster, CA living there 11 years. Camping in Northern CA brought about the move to Burney where he lived for 30 years. Mike attended First Baptist Church and worked with the youth groups. In 1988, Mike went into construction and remodeling homes. Mike was blessed with two sons, John who lives in Redding, and Bryon who was called home to be with the Lord.

Mike and Mary married in 1999, “retired ???” and moved to Redding. One retirement job was working with handicapped young men at Mtn. Jewels Ranch in Fall River Mills. They are currently camp hosts living on Shasta Lake at Bailey Cove. Like most married couples, small problems occur. Mike and Mary have a unique way of solving them. Curious? Ask them what “3 to 13” means.

Both received Christ when young, but their faith really blossomed after they married. Both completed studies in the books of Acts and Isaiah with Bible Study Fellowship and currently attend NCAC Bible Studies.

In her spare time, Mary loves to sew and read . She likes John 3:8 and Proverbs 2. Mike’s philosophy is, “Make others disciples; keep on growing; spread the gospel; see how many we can take with us.”

Mike, an avid fisherman, witnesses to fellow anglers and campers taking serious Matthew 4:19 (“And He said to them, ‘Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.’”) As Christians, they believe and practice “service to others.”