Mr. Edward Little Sr.

Edward Little Sr., a native of Greenville, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at the age of 89, on October 3, 2024. He was born on February 27, 1935, to Annie Lou (Burton) and Raymond Hayward Little Sr., and was one of seven siblings. Edward graduated from Sterling High School and earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro, North Carolina.

After moving to New York, he met and married his loving wife, Henrietta. Together, they shared 57 years of marriage and were blessed with three children. Edward and Henrietta were avid travelers, especially enjoying cruises throughout the Caribbean. Together, they also explored Europe, China, and several countries in Africa, enriching their lives through their love of travel and experiencing new cultures.

Edward was passionate about education, serving as a teacher in the Wyandanch Union Free School District. At Wyandanch, he became the District Director of Special Education. He pursued further education at The City College of New York and Hofstra University, earning certification as a New York State School Administrator. Edward retired in 1996 after thirty-four years in education, with twenty-nine years dedicated to special education. He also taught at Pilgrim State Hospital and Rikers Island Prison, known for his patience and dedication to helping others.

A man of faith, Edward gave his life to Christ at an early age. In 1974, he joined Union Baptist Church in Hempstead, New York, where he served in various roles including: Vice-Chairperson of the Trustee Board and Director of the Social Action Committee’s reading program. After moving to Brigantine, New Jersey, in 2003, Edward and Henrietta became members of Second Baptist Church in Atlantic City, where they actively participated in the Pastor’s Aide Ministry.

Edward was recognized for his many contributions, receiving awards such as: the Humanitarian Award from The Coalition for Better Government and an Appreciation Award from the Wyandanch Teachers Association. His professional affiliations included: memberships in the Wyandanch Administrators Association, Long Island Association for Special Education Administrators, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

Edward was preceded in death by: his wife, Henrietta; daughter, Francina Foskey; parents, Annie Lou and Raymond Hayward Little Sr.; siblings, Dorothy McDonald, Raymond Hayward Little Jr., Charles Little Sr., and Robert Little.

Edward is survived by: his sisters, Dianne Butler and Gail Young; children, Katrina Shaw (Warren) of Baltimore, Maryland, Edward Little Jr. of Zimbabwe, and Sidney Walker (Janet) of Martinez, Georgia; grandchildren, Evan Little, Sr. (Angela), Ean Little, Ileyana Little, Maxima Little, Magnus Little, Noah Little, Dartagnan Little, Joni Emery (Timothy), Sidney Ben Walker, Floydena Walker, Cerrone Dion Walker (Sheena), and Jaron D. Walker; Godson, Michael Edward Reed; several great-grandchildren, and a host of other family members and friends.

Funeral service to celebrate his life will be 11AM, Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Second Baptist Church, 110 Reverend Doctor I. S. Cole Plaza, Atlantic City, New Jersey, where family and friends may view from 10AM to 11AM. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Mays Landing, New Jersey.

Arrangements are entrusted to Greenidge Funeral Homes, Inc., Atlantic City, New Jersey, where condolences may be left at www.greenidgefuneralhomes.com