Mae Jean Littledeer

Mae Jean Littledeer was born on March 29, 1932, to parents Jones (John) and Eliza Livers Gonzales. Mae passed from this life at the age of 91 on August 2, 2023.

Mae Jean is preceded in death by her parents; husband Rev. Leo Littledeer Sr.; brothers Andy, Dennis, Cale, Leo, and John Gonzales Jr.; sisters Sadie Hummingbird, Dorothy Hummingbird, and Louella Proctor; sons E. Dewayne Littledeer, Leo Littledeer Jr., and Larry Littledeer; one daughter Barbara Flynn; and one great-grandson Nate James Littledeer.

Those left behind to cherish Mae Jean’s memories are her children Darlene Littledeer, Karen Littledeer, Delmar Littledeer and wife Lenora, Sharon Smith, Darrell Littledeer, and Gary Littledeer; sister Louise Mounce; 22 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren, one special granddaughter Kinsey Littledeer, extended family, and friends.

Mae Jean was a lifelong resident of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, specifically the Salem and Cherry Tree communities, where she attended Dahlonegah Elementary School and Union/Cave Springs High School. Mae Jean married her beloved Leo Littledeer in 1950 and raised ten children together.

Mae Jean was a Cherokee first language speaker and was very proud of her heritage. She demonstrated the highest ideals of what it means to be Cherokee and sets the example of a strong Cherokee matriarch.  And she was a deaconess for 50 years with Cherry Tree Baptist church.  Mae Jean really enjoyed quilting, cooking, and watching her grandchildren.

Mae Jean wouldn’t want anyone to be sad for very long. She would want everyone to remember the love, laughter, and the memories shared.