Obituary for John LeRoy Little
John Leroy Little, affectionately called "Johnny" by his family and friends, was born in Murphysboro, Illinois to Eddie and Callie (Williams) Little on September 5, 1945. John, the fourth of five siblings, was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Sammy "Lawrence " Little and Walter McAllister.
John was educated in the Murphysboro Public School District, attending Douglass Elementary School, Carruthers Junior High School, and Murphysboro Township High School. After graduation from high school in 1963, he attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois for a short period of time before enlisting in the United States Army and serving extensive time in Italy. After his military service, he returned to college and earned two degrees, receiving a Master's Degree in Counseling from the University of Phoenix. He also pursued his passion for the arts, drawing, painting, sculpting, and teaching welding. John frequently supported the Farmer's Market in downtown Battle Creek, showcasing his art, which drew hundreds of patrons. He would often gift others presents of his art.
John was a member of Saint Mark CME Church in Battle Creek, Michigan where he served as an usher, a host, and was a member of the Trustees Board. He was truly loved by many.
His gift of eternal life came on August 23, 2023 with his loving and caring wife, Cheryl (Henry) Little by his side.
Other survivors left to cherish his memory are three sons, Gary, Jonathan, and Matthew of Ogden, Utah; two daughters, Lisa Johnson of Murphysboro, Illinois and Johnelle Little of Ogden, Utah; two sisters, Pearl Hicks (Arthur) of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Roberta Stewart of St. Louis, Missouri; five grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren; cousin, Fannie Winston of Springfield, Illinois, supportive neighbors, Troy and Tammy Dolloway; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Henry family members, and other relatives and friends.
Family hour will take place at the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 10:00 am - 11:00 am with the celebration of life service to follow at 11:00 am.
Interment will follow the service at Fort Custer National Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com
John was educated in the Murphysboro Public School District, attending Douglass Elementary School, Carruthers Junior High School, and Murphysboro Township High School. After graduation from high school in 1963, he attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois for a short period of time before enlisting in the United States Army and serving extensive time in Italy. After his military service, he returned to college and earned two degrees, receiving a Master's Degree in Counseling from the University of Phoenix. He also pursued his passion for the arts, drawing, painting, sculpting, and teaching welding. John frequently supported the Farmer's Market in downtown Battle Creek, showcasing his art, which drew hundreds of patrons. He would often gift others presents of his art.
John was a member of Saint Mark CME Church in Battle Creek, Michigan where he served as an usher, a host, and was a member of the Trustees Board. He was truly loved by many.
His gift of eternal life came on August 23, 2023 with his loving and caring wife, Cheryl (Henry) Little by his side.
Other survivors left to cherish his memory are three sons, Gary, Jonathan, and Matthew of Ogden, Utah; two daughters, Lisa Johnson of Murphysboro, Illinois and Johnelle Little of Ogden, Utah; two sisters, Pearl Hicks (Arthur) of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Roberta Stewart of St. Louis, Missouri; five grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren; cousin, Fannie Winston of Springfield, Illinois, supportive neighbors, Troy and Tammy Dolloway; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Henry family members, and other relatives and friends.
Family hour will take place at the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 10:00 am - 11:00 am with the celebration of life service to follow at 11:00 am.
Interment will follow the service at Fort Custer National Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com