"Miss Myrtle"

The obituary in the Clanton Advertiser stated, “Myrtle Mary Littleton, 73, of Clanton died Saturday, July 7, at her residence.”  Hundreds of men, women, boys, and girls knew her as “Miss Myrtle”. She had a heavy British accent even though she lived in Clanton, Alabama most of her life.  She was determined to maintain her accent as she taught English to her pupils at the Clanton Middle School.

She influenced everyone involved in Youth Rallies in Chilton County from the 1970’s to the new millennium.  Dr. Charles Christmas, retired Director of Missions, says of her, ““Miss Myrtle” was truly gifted of God to work with youth. The best evidence of this was that she had this excellent relationship and leadership even into her retirement years. She adjusted to change over the years like the old slogan, “anchored to the Rock but geared to the times.””

She never seemed old because she surrounded herself with youth.  She was timeless and tireless in her efforts to teach children about Jesus.  As Vacation Bible School Director for Chilton Association, I had “Miss Myrtle” on the team.  She hated doing the skits, but the skit was everyone’s favorite and she made it very funny with her British accent.  She petitioned to eliminate the skit each year, but the people wanted it and it was vital for the energy of the clinic so she did it.

When the Associational youth went on mission each summer, she required them to attend the Associational VBS clinics.  She took them to teach VBS to South Dakota, Texas, Wyoming, and Massachusetts and other places in which Alabama Baptist had partnerships each summer.

She sponsored monthly Saturday night youth rallies, summer Sunday nights in the park, area-wide youth revivals, college/career beach ministry, and training events for church youth leaders to learn and improve skills.  Evangelist Scott Dawson preached one of his first sermons at a youth event led by “Miss Myrtle”.  She provided many young preachers the opportunity to get valuable experience.  She also had some well-known speakers.

One night at one of her “Great Days in May” event Coach Tommy Bowden, then assistant at Auburn and later at Clemson as head coach told “Miss Myrtle” that he would be like to speak at one the events.  Now, you have to understand that “Miss Myrtle” did not know the coach.  She taught English, not football.  With that heavy British accent, she asked Coach Bowden, “Who are you and what do you do?”

Everyone standing near the conversation had a look of disbelief and absurdity.  Here is the coach famous for the “Tommy Gun” offense wanting to preach and share his testimony with hundreds of youth, children, and parents free of charge.  Most times people of his stature charge for events.

Coach Bowden replied, “I coach football at Auburn.”  That did not impress “Miss Myrtle.”  She would not allow just anyone to speak to her youth.  She had every event planned in minute detail.

I do not remember the exact words but “Miss Myrtle” asked something like, what do you have to say and what credentials do you have to say it.  It was hilarious and awkward time.  Coach Bowden did speak and everyone enjoyed his testimony and there were those who accepted the Lord.  He signed many autographs that night for those who knew him.

“Miss Myrtle” was very generous with her time, energy, and money.  She attended every event in Baptist life in Chilton Association.  She was a Christian Energizer Bunny.  On mission projects, she would provide motherly love for the homesick, mild, but wise counsel to the discourteous, and money to youth who may have not carried enough money to spend the week.

Her success was that she was always behind the scene.  She was not upfront but always in charge.  She encouraged those with talents to exercise them.  In her passing she passed the Gospel torch to pastors, youth minister, ministers of music, deacons, Sunday School teachers, VBS workers and countless others she discipled as youth.

. . . Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord (Matthew 25:21KJV).

“Miss Myrtle” was not perfect, none of us are.  She was faithful because Jesus made a difference in her life.  She made a difference in the loves of others including yours truly.  Did I forget to mention that she was a volunteer over thirty years?