Obituary: Jean D. Little

Jean Dorothy Little: January 12, 1932-October 16, 2019

Jean Dorothy Little, 87, of Manchester passed away October 16, 2019. She was born on January 12, 1932, in Inkster, Michigan to Daniel and Mary (Kapanka) Sullivan. Jean married the love of her life, Robert Little, on October 5, 1957 in Inkster. He preceded her in death in December, 2007.

Jean graduated from Wayne Memorial High School and went on to become a buyer for the J.L. Hudson Company in Detroit, a job she loved to recall. After her marriage and moving to Manchester, Jean’s focus was raising her family, being an active member of Manchester United Methodist Church becoming a volunteer for many organizations, and holding those positions for many years. The American Red Cross, Community Resource Center (CRC), Twentieth Century Club and the Freedom Township Planning Commission were just a few of the recipients of her hard work and dedication to being of service to her community. Jean held many positions in the church she so loved, including the United Methodist Women’s organization and always being a very active member in multiple committees throughout the years. She and Bob were honored with recognition for their
unlimited dedication and service to the Church.

Her interests and hobbies also included being on the women’s golf league for many years, studying genealogy for both Littles and Sullivans, tending to her outdoor birds, creating beautiful baskets, gardening, deer watching from her deck, reading, and playing free cell on her tablet. She was an avid sports enthusiast for all college football and Tiger baseball. But, above all, her love of her family was most important to her. Watching her grandchildren grow up and enjoy time at the family home, swimming, and running around gave her so much joy. Great-grandchildren coming into her life would light up that smile.

Jean will be dearly missed by her children, Matt (Bev) Little of Manchester and Tom (Victoria) Little of Spring Lake, Michigan; sisters-in-law Marge (John) Sullivan, Theresa Golding-Sullivan (Leo), and Janice (David) Little; brother-in-law Guy (Analiese) Little; five grandchildren Andrew (Donielle) Little and Liz Little (Brian Rahrig), Ron (Becca) Deleeuw, Ashleigh Little, and Shelby Little; four great grandchildren Dawson Little, Carter, Cooper and Conor Deleeuw; her many many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and extended family who she loved so much, including one particular niece she deemed was by marriage only with a twinkle in her eye.

Along with her husband Bob, she is preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sisters-in-law Jerry (Mary Jane), Jim (Rosemary) Sullivan, Jim’s second wife Georgia Sullivan, Leo (Merelyn), John, sister-in-law Ann (Douglas) Price and brother-in-law David Little. Jean’s family and friends will gather Friday, November 1, 2019, 10:30 am –12:30 pm at Manchester United Methodist Church, 501 Ann Arbor St., Manchester, Michigan with her farewell to follow at 12:30 pm. Pastor Larry Wik will serve as celebrant. Memorial contributions are suggested to Manchester United Methodist Church.

Please leave a message of comfort for Jean’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign her guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.