Melva Dwayne “Dwayne” Littleton, 85, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, surrounded by the comfort of the home and family she loved so dearly.
Dwayne was born on April 5, 1941, in Carter County, Kentucky, to the late Luther and Bertha (Irwin) Carver.
On March 29, 1964, she married the love of her life, Larry Douglas Littleton. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work, raising three children. In 1970, they made their home in Bellville, where they became a familiar and cherished part of the community. Larry preceded her in death on November 28, 2025. Their children find comfort in knowing that after more than 60 years of marriage, their parents are reunited once again.
Dwayne dedicated many years of her life to serving others through her work. She was a cook at the V&M Restaurant in Bellville before beginning a 25-year career with McDonald’s, working at both the Hanley Road and State Route 97 locations, spending most of her years at the Route 97 restaurant. There, she formed countless lasting friendships with coworkers and customers alike, sharing laughter, inside jokes, and everyday moments that made work feel like family.
A faithful follower of the Free Will Baptist faith, Dwayne lived her beliefs through quiet acts of service, generosity, and unwavering conviction. She was steadfast in what she believed and remained true to those convictions throughout her life.
Above all else, Dwayne loved her family. Nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with those she loved. She especially adored her grandchildren, who could do no wrong in her eyes. They were her precious angels, and she treasured every moment spent with them. The love she poured into her family will continue to be felt for generations.
If there was one gift for which Dwayne will always be remembered, it was her cooking. It was more than a talent—it was her love language. Though she owned recipes, those who tried to recreate her dishes quickly learned that they never tasted quite the same. She rarely measured ingredients, simply adding a little of this and a little of that from memory, preparing meals the way she always had—with fresh ingredients, practiced hands, and a heart full of love.
Whether it was comforting family favorites like mashed potatoes, green beans, and vegetable soup or holiday treats like homemade fudge and other baked goods, no one ever left her table hungry. Leftovers were expected, and there was always enough to share. Her kitchen was a place where family gathered, stories were told, and everyone was made to feel welcome. Her compassion extended beyond her own family as she often prepared entire meals for grieving church friends, offering comfort when words alone were not enough.
Dwayne also treasured time spent with her family on vacations to Tennessee and Myrtle Beach, creating memories that will be cherished for generations. Yet, despite enjoying those adventures, she was happiest at home. You could often find her with a cup of black coffee in hand or making one of her favorite outings—a trip to Walmart to shop for groceries and leisurely browse the aisles.
She leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, hard work, and unconditional love. Her family will forever remember her warm kitchen, her generous heart, her steadfast spirit, and the countless ways she showed her love through the simple, everyday acts that meant the most.
She is survived by her children Doug (Sally) Littleton of Bellville, Dwight (Holly) Littleton of Louisville, Kentucky, and Tammy (Ron) Hicks of Bellville, grandchildren Ben Littleton, Andy (Paige) Littleton, Rebecca (Derron) Russ, Laura Littleton, and Shawn Littleton, Cameron Hicks, Nicholas (Dayna) Hicks, and Faith (Jackson) Myer; two great grandsons Elliot and Benjamin Myer; a sister-in-law Barb Carver along with many extended family and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband Larry Littleton, an infant son David Littleton, grandson Scott Littleton, and siblings and their spouses JT (Sarah Jane) Carver, Helen (Hubert) Webb, Luther Wayne Carver, and Arthur Blaine Carver.
Friends may call Friday, August 7, 2026 from 4 pm to 7 pm at Fredericktown Freewill Baptist Church, 102 Columbus Road, where the funeral service will be held Saturday at 11 am. Pastor Aaron Boggs will officiate and burial will follow in Bellville Cemetery.
The Bellville Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Littleton family and encourage messages of support by visiting snyderfuneral homes.com
Funeral Home: Bellville Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com