Kelly Taylor Mariah Little passed away on the morning of May 24, 2026, in Conroe, Texas. She was surrounded by her family and close friends who gathered to send her off. Mariah was born May 28, 1994, in Temple, Texas, to parents Timothy Robinson and Casey D. Little.
Mariah was raised primarily by her mother, Casey. Her maternal grandparents, Jimmy and Susie Little, were also very influential in her early life. Mariah was a happy child. She enjoyed playing with her dolls. Her friends fondly remember playing dress up with makeup and hair salons at sleepovers. She was a quiet child around those who didn’t know her. She was the big sister of five siblings: Timmy, Alexis, Bailee, Trey, and Crystal. She graduated from Tarkington ISD in the Class of 2013. Mariah enjoyed working at the Wood Duck Farm in her youth. She also made jewelry with her Aunt Vanessa.
Mariah had a very strong relationship with her mother. She was more than a parent. They were best friends and always there for each other. She once shared, “We’ve been through much together, and our bond is greater than anyone will ever understand. My Mom is everything to me and my best friend in this world. She is the reason I’m still here, and I love you, Momma. I thank God for this woman. My Mom is my inspiration!”
When Mariah was fifteen, her mother married Sam Windell. Mariah and Sam developed a deep bond. Mariah loved her Dad and always looked to him as her rock. She knew that he would always have love and support for her, no matter where life took her. They enjoyed sharing interests in music, science fiction, and superhero movies, as well as in nature, at the beach, and while camping. Mariah also warmly welcomed her bonus siblings, Crissy and Steele Windell, into her family.
Mariah came to know her father better in her adulthood. Tim cared for and loved his daughter. She valued him and always appreciated that he helped “make her”.
Mariah was known as a beautiful woman, inside and out. She was a very generous person. She didn’t always have much to give, but she always shared what she had to help others. Always hospitable to her guests, even if it was just enjoying a cup of coffee on her front porch and talking about life. Mariah’s family and friends describe her as a kind soul, silly, goofy, and fun, with a sweet heart who cared for others. A bright light in the dark of this world. She had a smile and laugh that would bring sunshine into the room. She was so awesome, amazing, and beautiful. She enjoyed life, music, photography, and expressing herself in her writing. She shared what was heavy on her heart to encourage others to keep going as well. Mariah prided herself on preparing the homestyle meals for her family that her grandmother was known for. Mariah loved children and loved being an aunt to Deku, Tristan, Rebekah, Avery, Carolyn, and Leo.
She was close to her friends and treated their children as her own nieces and nephews. Her friends became part of her village, helping support her through the different chapters of her life. One of her closest friends was Matthew Castro. Their relationship began in the summer of 2016 and continued for ten years. While their paths took different directions, they always kept close over the years and supported one another. They loved going to coffee shops and dining on Japanese cuisine.
In 2018, Mariah became a mother for the first time, to her daughter Raelynn. Although her relationship with Chris Youngblood wasn’t meant to be forever, she treasured the gift of two more sons, Jedidiah and Axel. They were the light of her world and motivated her to be the best mother she could be. She captured so many precious moments with them in photos to remember all the small moments. She felt they were a blessing to her and cared for them more than anything.
Mariah had a strong faith in God. She relied on him to get her through tough times. Also, the strength to make changes in her life to have a good relationship with him. She was convinced that she could do it because of God. Mariah enjoyed listening to Gospel music about Jesus. Mariah was motivated by the saying “Faith over Fear,” which is also the theme of one of her favorite songs, “Oceans – Where Feet May Fail” based on the account in Matthew 14:22-32. She was excited to become a strong woman that her children could be proud of. She knew he was always her constant, getting her through everything in her life. She felt God’s love and guidance in her life and gave him credit for her three beautiful children.
She quoted Psalms 139:14 often. “I praise you because in an awe-inspiring way I am wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful; I know this very well”.
Mariah reflected the kindness her parents and grandparents had always shown to others. Mariah displayed this quality as well and instilled it in her own children. She leaves behind a legacy in her three children. Her beautiful daughter, who enjoys music and art like her mother. Her clever son is a quiet thinker who is fascinated by science, from dinosaurs to how machines work. Her little one, who reflects her silliness, enjoys the little things that bring joy. So, while she is gone from our lives, we will always see Mariah in her children until we see her again in a place of peace that we will enjoy eternally.
Rest peacefully and know that you are so loved.
“No matter what, always keep your kindness and shine bright. Even through the darkness.” Mariah Little – April 15, 2024
Mariah was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Jimmy and Susie Little, and her little brother, Timmy Robinson. Also, a good friend, Ashley Michelle Hudnall, gave Mariah the courage and motivation to make changes in her life that led to her being an amazing mother. Mariah would often speak of Ashley, which hopefully helped others apply what Ashley had taught her.
Her memory will be cherished by her children, Raelynn, Jedidiah, and Axel.
Parents: Casey & Sam Windell and Timothy Robinson
Siblings: Timmy, Alexis, Bailee, Trey, Crystal, Crissy and Steele
Aunts and Uncles: Vanessa & Jeffrey Tidwell, Troy & Dusty Little, and James Patrick & Tina Little
As well as her many cousins and close friends.
Mariah once referenced how these lyrics brought her comfort during difficult times. May it bring us comfort as well.
“Even though you feel all alone, it can’t rain every day. It doesn’t rain forever.
Your sunshine may be gone, and I know it can’t rain every day. It doesn’t rain forever.”
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Mariah to help care for and support her beloved children. A savings account has been established at Prosperity Bank in care of Samuel Windell. Any gift, no matter the size, will be a lasting expression of love and will help provide for the children Mariah cherished so deeply. The family is sincerely grateful for your kindness, prayers, and support.