Dorothy "Dottie" Ann (Seymore) Little

Dorothy Ann Little, 86, of Crossett, passed away Wednesday, January 12, 2022.  She was born in Huttig, Arkansas, on August 15, 1935, to Othie and Lazelle Seymore.

In addition to her parents, Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband of fifty-nine years, John Avon Little; an infant son, David Lamar Little; one sister, Mary Nell Medlin; and one brother, Jack Seymore.

She is survived by her best friend and companion, Edgar Haynie of Crossett; three children, Sharon Guin (Mike) of Chattanooga, TN, Ruston Little (Denise) of Monroe, LA, and Kristi Brown (Brent) of Crossett; one brother, James Seymore (Louise) of El Dorado, AR; three grandsons, Richard Guin (Stephanie), John Guin, and Benjamin Brown; and two great-grandchildren, Keely Williams, and Jack Guin; along with two great-great-grandchildren; and Edgar’s children and their families whom she loved dearly.

When Dorothy was a fourteen-year-old cheerleader, she met her future husband, John who was on the basketball team.  They married the following year on May 4, 1951, at fifteen and nineteen years of age.  They overcame obstacles and accomplished many things throughout their marriage with no outside assistance. Over the years they owned and farmed properties in Ashley and Drew counties and were the first to grow wheat in Chicot County.  Dorothy worked hard right alongside John on the farms raising cattle and horses, building and clearing fences, driving teams of mules, building barns, and harvesting gardens, all while raising their children, preparing meals, sewing clothes, canning vegetables, and caring for her parents.

She and John also owned and operated for several years, the Felsenthal Bait and Grocery Store.  Dorothy ran all day-to-day activities including bookkeeping, stocking, handling employees, and cooking for the snack bar.  There was nothing Dorothy couldn’t do.  She later obtained her real estate license and went to work for a local realtor.  She enjoyed meeting potential home buyers and with her delightful personality, she was quite successful.  She also worked at the Crossett Water Company and North Crossett Utilities.

After John’s death, Dorothy was at a loss.  Her entire life had been her marriage and her family.  With her family urging her to get out and try something new, she decided to try breakfast at Andy’s Restaurant where a group of folks gathered each morning and visited.  She was thrilled to find a new group of friends who took her in as their own.  It was there that she was introduced to the second love of her life, Edgar Haynie.  After their very first date, they were inseparable.  They ate, attended church, shopped, and watched football games together.  They looked after each other.  They were best friends.  Edgar’s family welcomed Dorothy with open arms.  They showed her love and respect for which she was very thankful.  She enjoyed their visits, their phone calls, and, most of all, being included in their activities.  Dorothy’s life was so much fuller by being a part of the Haynie family for the past eleven years.  Dorothy’s family will always be grateful to Edgar, his children, grandchildren, and their spouses for the love, and extreme kindness showed to their mother.

Dorothy was a true beauty with a vibrant personality, a bright smile, and an eye-catching figure.  She was glamorous but modern, and never dressed like an old lady.  For years, her motto was, no elastic and no double knit.  There was hardly a day that someone did not comment on her fashionable clothes, jewelry, and beautiful smile.  Young women would say they hoped to grow up to be just like her.  She was admired for her outlook on life, her taste in fashion, and her “young at heart” attitude.  Dorothy loved life.  She would not hesitate to try something new.  She never allowed herself to believe she could not do it or that she was too old.

She was approachable in public and never met a stranger, people would tell her their life stories often and ask for her advice. 
She was always thinking of others and often sent cards and flowers, made phone calls, and prayed for those in need. 
She understood everyone had trials and tribulations, like herself, and was never one to be hypocritical or chastising. 
Dorothy was a wonderful grandmother.  Whether it was attending her grandchildren’s school activities or helping them bake and eat something they made, she was involved.  She often gave them scraps to sew and would even occasionally allow her cookware to be used for mudpies.  She also bought clothes for them, helped them with homework, and took them to church.  Her children and grandchildren knew no matter their age, if they had a problem, Mimi was there to help.

She was also the epitome of elegance but lived her life in a way that was humble and informal.  She could sleep in a tent or a luxury hotel.  She could eat a corndog or dine at a fine restaurant.  She enjoyed riding on the back of a four-wheeler through the river bottoms with her grandson, Ben, even in her pajamas or with a shower cap to protect her hair for church the next morning.  She and her grandson, Richard went on many fishing adventures together, and she always treasured the many deep conversations she had with her grandson, John.  

Dorothy was a devout Christian.  She believed that being a Christian meant that you appreciated every day given, you lived life to the fullest, and with a grateful heart, always kept God at the center of everything you did.  She was a devoted member of her church, and over the years, taught many children and young adult classes.  She served on numerous committees, including the social committee which was her favorite.  She had a talent for developing menus and decorating and planned many meals for two hundred or more people through the years.  Many young ladies learned from her valuable lessons, such as the correct way to set a table and how to present food for a banquet.  She was an amazing cook.  She loved cookbooks and cooking magazines.  She could cook anything, especially down home southern cooking.  Within thirty minutes, she could whip up a meal of fried pork chops, stewed potatoes, butter beans, fried okra, and hot water cornbread.  When you ate at her table, you were sure to enjoy it and gain a few pounds.
Being an Arkansan was of course her first choice, but if there had been a second, she would have loved to have lived in Louisiana.  She loved Cajun country and New Orleans.  She made many trips to enjoy the food, the culture, and the people.  She read everything about Louisiana from books, magazines, and cookbooks.  She was quite the expert on anything to see or do while in New Orleans or the surrounding area from hotels, fine restaurants, chefs, hole-in-the-wall establishments, and area attractions.

Sometimes there was a misconception that Dorothy had lived a charmed life because she aged gracefully, had mostly good health, and was financially secure, always displaying that unforgettable smile.  The truth was she had endured just as many problems and setbacks as any other person.  The difference was she chose not to let the obstacles make her bitter or jaded because of the incomparable inner strength God provided, she knew she could face any storm in her path.

Always selfless, even in death, Dorothy asked that due to Covid that her visitation and funeral service be limited to her family and the Haynie family.  Her family will honor her wishes.  

Memorials can be made to the greater Crossett Area Food Bank, 309 Pine St., Crossett, AR 71635, or to any organization of your choice.

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