Obituary: Alanis "Little Bit" Whitfield

Alanis “Little Bit” Whitfield, 15, of Deep Run, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Maynard Children’s Hospital in Greenville, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born with special needs, Alanis required full-time care throughout her life. Though she could not speak or tend to herself, she communicated in ways that left deep impressions on the hearts of those around her. Her presence was a quiet, constant reminder of grace, resilience, and unconditional love. Known affectionately as “Little Bit,” she was small in stature but carried a soul that touched everyone she met.

Alanis was preceded in death by her grandfather, Richard Howard, and her grandmother, Mary “Maggie” Houston.

She is survived by her devoted parents, Michael and April Houston; her loving siblings, Lou Bennett and wife Logan, Riley Houston, and Izzy Houston; her grandmother, Barbara Howard; and her grandfather, Roy “Mac” Houston. She also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, caregivers, and a community who cherished her deeply.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Woodington Ward, 6655 US-258, Deep Run, NC. A funeral service will follow at 4:00 p.m., with burial immediately afterward at Howard Cemetery, located behind the church.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at RHA Riverbend and the PICU team at Maynard Children’s Hospital. Your care, love, and dedication meant the world to Alanis and to us. You were part of her life, and we know that in losing her, you grieve with us.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to RADD (Raising Awareness for the Developmentally Disabled) in honor of Alanis’ life and the community that helped care for her.