Gayle Brown Littlejohn

Sylvia Gayle Brown Littlejohn, of Eden, North Carolina, passed away at her home on April 20, 2025.

A memorial service will be held at Noon, Saturday, April 26, 2025 at First Baptist Church, 533 Greenwood St, Eden, NC 27288. Family and friends will gather in the fellowship hall at First Baptist Church following the service.

Gayle was born and raised in Spartanburg, SC, and was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Lloyd Brown and Eula McDowell Brown, brothers James and Kenneth Brown, son John Littlejohn, II, and loving husband of 69 years, Kendrick Littlejohn. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Robinson (Steve Morgan), granddaughter, Caroline Blankenship (Zach), great grandchildren, Avery, Harrison and John, step-grandchildren, Scott Morgan (Jami), Justin Morgan (Kelly), Bryce Morgan, and Dylan Morgan (Kate), and step-great grandchildren Whit and Madeline Morgan. Gayle dedicated her life to the care, advocacy, and support of the special needs community of Buncombe County and Western North Carolina, serving as the Executive Director of the ARC of Buncombe County for many years until her retirement. She was instrumental in developing vocational training for those with intellectual disabilities at AB-Tech, where she also worked as an instructor. She served on the boards of various non-profit organizations and was a wonderful mentor to many, both professionally and personally. Gayle worked tirelessly for the underserved in her community, and was recognized with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award in 2017. In addition to her work, Gayle enjoyed many hobbies, including gardening, cooking, traveling, sewing, and spending time with her family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ARC of Buncombe County, 50 South French Broad Ave Ste 246, Asheville, NC 28801.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com.