Administrative Office of Courts
Chancellor Talmadge Littlejohn died Oct. 26 A funeral service for Chancery Judge Talmadge Littlejohn is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at First Baptist Church in New Albany. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, and 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at First Baptist Church. United Funeral Service in New Albany is handling arrangements. Judge Littlejohn died Monday, Oct. 26, after suffering an apparent heart attack at his New Albany home. He was 80. Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr. said, “Judge Littlejohn had a long, distinguished career as a public servant, including service as a district attorney and legislator. He was in his fourth term as a judge. He always conducted himself as a selfless public servant dedicated to whatever task was assigned to him.” Gov. Phil Bryant said, “Deborah and I are saddened by the passing of Judge Littlejohn. He was a dedicated jurist and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.” Tupelo Mayor Jason Shelton said,“We are saddened this morning by the news of the sudden passing of Chancery Judge Talmadge Littlejohn. Our sympathies and prayers are with his family during this time of sorrow.” Judge Littlejohn was the oldest serving chancellor in the state at the time of his death at age 80. He was a member of the Mississippi Bar for 55 years. He had 44 years of public service, including more than 12 years as a chancellor. He was elected chancellor in 2002 and took office in January 2003 in the First Chancery District of Alcorn, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Tishomingo and Union counties. Judge Littlejohn began his fourth term as a chancellor in January. He began his public service career in 1960 as a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives. He was admitted to the Mississippi Bar that same year. He served four years in the House and four in the Mississippi Senate, from 1964-1968. He served eight years as a district attorney in the Third Circuit District, 1968-1976. He was New Albany Municipal Judge for 16 years, serving 1976-1992. Judge Littlejohn was one of four judges in the First Chancery District. Chief Justice Waller said that special judges will be appointed to hear Judge Littlejohn’s cases which have approaching trial dates. Gov. Bryant is expected to appoint someone to fill the judicial vacancy. Talmadge D. Littlejohn was born Oct. 18, 1935, in Blue Springs, Mississippi. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with special distinction from Mississippi College in 1957 and an LL.B degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1960. #### |
