Jeanette Meade Little

SEVEN MILE FORD, Va.

Jeanette Meade Little, age 83, passed away in the comfort of her home in Seven Mile Ford, Va., into her Savior’s arms, Friday, April 23, 2021 following a long illness.

Jeanette was born on February 21, 1938, in Tazewell, Va., to the late Robert Preston and Mary Moore Meade. Jeanette graduated from Tazewell High School in 1955. She married the love of her life, Bill Little, in 1958 and moved to Smyth County shortly thereafter. Jeanette built a business from the ground up when it was not a traditional career path for women. She and her husband Bill owned and operated Little’s Quick Check in Seven Mile Ford for over 40 years. You could oftentimes find her behind the grill in her dress, heels, and “lip grease.” Jeanette was never afraid of hard work and could run a household like few others could. She was one of the best southern cooks – cooking feasts for her family, her community, and her church. This was one of many talents she used to serve God. She had an intuition for those who needed food, clothing, prayer, and most of all - love. Jeanette also had an eye for design. She loved fashion, making sure her kids were always dressed in the latest trends and doing her part to keep Belk and Proffitt’s in business. She also enjoyed interior design, with her house decorated year-round for the most recent season or holiday. She took care to do everything before her to the best of her ability and in a way that honored God and made her family proud. She was a devout Christian and served in several churches in Smyth County throughout her life. She always held a special place in her heart for the Ford Church of God and Pastors Fred Bonham and Carl White. The Reverend Sammy Rasnake of Bristol, Tenn., was a lifelong friend and pastor to Jeanette and her family for many years.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her sisters, Beatrice (Luther) Lyons, Juanita (Jack) Britts, and Geneva (J.C.) Johnson; brothers, Larry Meade, Forest Meade, Paul (Wanda) Meade, and Lawrence Meade.

Left to cherish Jeanette’s memory are her loving husband of 62 years, Bill Little; son, Mike Little and wife, Mary Ann; daughter, Lisa Berry and husband, Dean; sister, Margaret Wyatt and husband, Leo; four grandchildren who adored their Momaw, Brooke (Junior) Hylton, Michael Little, Kayla Berry, and Marcus Little; five great-grandchildren, Christian Hylton, Ethan Hylton, Abby Hylton, Paisley Little, and Landon Hash; many nieces and nephews; and special friend Della Duncan.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jeanette’s honor to Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry of Chilhowie, P.O. Box 376, Chilhowie, VA 24319 or online at www.loavesfishesva.com.

To share memories of Jeanette Meade Little, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Jeanette’s family has been entrusted to Seaver-Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion, Va. 24354.