Lourena Janette Little

Lourena Little

July 13, 1948 – January 2, 2023

Survived by her devoted husband Vernon, children: Sharon, Brian, Ronnie and Rhonda, step-sons Vernon Lee, Wayne, and Mike. Grandchildren Sarah, Rain, Hayley, Brian, Andy, Mike, Megan, Gabriel and Alexis, and 2 great-grandchildren. She has 5 living sisters and joins her sister Patsy and Mother Mary in Heaven. Many brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Lourena grew up with very little, most days having very little food to share. She moved from one location to another working the fields and at times had no house to go home to, and when she did, a bed was shared with all 6 sisters. For this reason, she never took for granted the things that she did have in life. If she had food, you were welcome to some. If she had a blanket, you could have half. When we would visit from out of town, you had a place to sleep no matter how many of you there were and would even give you the keys to her car.

Lourena had various jobs throughout her life but her favorite was being a homemaker and wife. She was very devoted to her entire family starting with her sisters as a child, some memories of which will be shared today.

Celebrations always included a large gathering of family, and friends were always welcome too. Family reunions and holiday celebrations created happy memories with houses filled with people, and as many gatherings at the local park that summer times permitted. When family moved away as they do in life, she made sure to call her sisters often and very much enjoyed sharing life experiences through their phone conversations. She would always show how much she cared by making sure cards and gifts were sent for birthdays and holidays so each person felt remembered and special. No matter the distance, she never stopped calling, caring and loving her family.

The care for her loved ones continued her entire life and was evident from the moment you walked in the door or answered the phone

 To her husband, she was always watching out for him in subtle (sometimes not so subtle) ways by letting him know that he had worked hard enough that day and needed to give himself a break. She kept the house spotless for him and her children out of pride for what she had been given by her hard-working husband.

She could often be heard telling him to sit down, rest for a moment, take care of yourself. So Vernon this is your reminder to take time to Sit down, Rest and Take care of yourself.

Lourena was never one to let on about how much pain she was in or her condition, as she did not want her family to worry. She ultimately had to admit that it was time for her to get the proper care she needed and unfortunately it was not in time to be able to fully recover from the various conditions her body was fighting. Lourena wanted so badly to walk again and come home, as did her entire family who were optimistic she was improving every day while in the hospital or rehabilitation facility. The Lord said Lourena, it’s time to come home, sit down, rest a moment, and put on your wings. We may have lost our Mom, Wife, Sister, friend but we have all gained a very devoted Guardian Angel.