On November 16, 2025, at 10:17pm, Louise Witherspoon was called home to rest into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior at Brighton Gardens Assisted Living, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Louise was born in Wadesboro, North Carolina, on July 24, 1931, to the late Josh and Fannie Lou Little. She later moved to Winston-Salem, NC, where then she met and married her late husband, Richard Witherspoon.

She was raised on the values of faith, family, and hard work, principles that shaped every part of her life. She began her career at the Duplan Textile Mill, where she worked faithfully until the plant ceased operations. Mrs. Witherspoon later joined Decodex and remained there until her retirement. Even after retiring, her heart for service never wavered. Louise devoted her time to caring for the elderly, offering compassion, patience, support, and love to those who needed it most.

For more than 50 years, Mrs. Louise was a devoted and faithful member of St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church. She served joyfully on the Nurse's Board (Temple Assistant's Ministry) and supported her church family with unwavering commitment. One of her greatest honors was being recognized as a "Mother of the Church" under the leadership of Pastor James Cook, a role that she embraced with humility and love.

Louise was affectionately known as "Mama" to her children, and "Mother Witherspoon" to her church family and friends. These names reflected the deep love, respect, and admiration people felt for her. She had a nurturing spirit, a soft-spoken strength, and a comforting presence that touched every life she encountered.

Mrs. Louise Witherspoon was preceded in death by her Husband, Richard Witherspoon; her three children, Ruby Louise Melton, Sandra Elaine Penn, and Joe Lewis Melton; five brothers, Sandy, John Albert, Tidas, William, and J.O. Little; four sisters, Mildred Jack, Minnie Hughes, and twins Collie and Ollie Little.

Louise's legacy lives on through her four daughters, Virginia Melton, Marilyn Powell, Sharon Annette Shields (David) and Patsy Foskey (Farley); 12 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and 21 great-great grandchildren; along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Louise Witherspoon lived a long life filled with faith, love, kindness, and service. Her gentle spirit, loving heart, and unconditional devotion to God and family will continue to shine as a guiding light for all who knew and loved her.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Monday, November 24, 2025 at St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church.  The family visitation will be held from 12:30pm until 1:00pm on Monday at the Church. Interment will be held at 12:00pm Tuesday, November 25, 2025 in Parklawn Memorial Gardens.