Mary Littrell Is Colorfest Grand Marshall
April M. Fronick • Editor
When it comes to volunteering, there are very few local organizations Louisiana’s Mary
Littrell isn’t involved with. This year she will be recognized for her tireless efforts by serving
as Grand Marshall of the Louisiana Country Colorfest.
“I was very embarrassed,” Littrell noted humbly. “It’s certainly an honor but there are other
people more deserving.”
Colorfest chairperson Mona Brown said Littrell obviously deserved the honor and the
Colorfest committee vote was unanimous.
“Mary is involved in everything that impacts Louisiana,” Brown pointed out.
A St. Louis native, Littrell has resided in Louisiana for more than 50 years. She retired
from Union Electric (formerly Missouri Edison) in 1990. She currently divides her time
between more than 10 local organizations dedicated to improving lives in Louisiana and
abroad.
Littrell has been active in the Louisiana Rotary club almost 20 years, since the
organization began accepting female members in 1989. She also devotes time to St.
Joseph Catholic Church and its Ladies Sodality, along with the area Women’s Ecumenical
group.
One of the group’s Littrell is most proud is the Clothing Room.
“We’ve been recycling since 1990. It’s important. I’m very proud of that,” Littrell explained.
In addition to the Clothing Room, Littrell is president of the Pike County Memorial Hospital
Auxiliary. She is further the treasurer of the Friends of the Louisiana Public Library and
secretary of the Louisiana public housing board. Littrell is also a member of the Chamber
of Commerce, Pike County Historical Society and the Queen Mother of Red Hat Society.
“I just do the little stuff,” Littrell said of the time she devotes to charitable and civic
organizations.
While Littrell may believe her efforts are small, her peers disagree.
Erma Bombeck said: “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I
would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.”
Those around Littrell believe Louisiana is a better place due to her talents and effort.
Littrell was married to the late Carl Littrell, who was a pharmacist with Rexall Drug. They
have four children, Carl, Jack, Pat and Robert. She has 10 grandchildren and five great-
grandchildren.
She admitted that she hasn’t even told her family about the selection as grand marshall
yet because she was so surprised.
Littrell will lead the Colorfest parade down Georgia Street on Saturday, October 18.
The Colorfest committee is still in need of volunteers to make the annual event another
huge success. Those interested in volunteering may call Mona Brown, Colorfest
chairperson, 573-754-4190.