Sharon Rae Little

Sharon was born on Oct. 3, 1942, in Harrisburg, Illinois, to Artie Ruth Kibler Dorris and John Wendell Dorris. She met her husband, Dallas Ronald “Ron” Little, through a blind date arranged by his mother. They were married at Dorrisville Baptist Church in Harrisburg on Sept. 12, 1964.

Sharon dedicated her nursing career to serving others. After graduating from Alton Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Alton, Illinois, she served at Anna State Hospital in Anna, Illinois; Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis; and the Shelby County Health Department. She then spent the majority of her career at the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center in Memphis and served as treasurer of the VA nurses’ union for many years.

Sharon was known for her big smile and generous spirit. Her life was dedicated to caring for her children and grandchildren, ensuring they were well loved, well fed and well traveled. Sharon and Ron took their family on adventures around the world: China, India, Cambodia, Europe, Australia and everywhere in between. They spent 10 straight Decembers in Hawaii and returned many more times over the years.

When not globe-trotting, Sharon poured herself into arts and crafts, including ceramics, knitting, sewing, wreath making, crafting her “throw a fit” dolls, and so much more. Later in life, she put her talents to work knitting blankets for West Cancer Clinic. She will be remembered for her cooking, most notably her award-winning chili recipe, homemade rolls, and countless annual Christmas treats.

In her downtime, Sharon could be found reading, completing word searches and crosswords, and cheering on (or ranting about) her beloved St. Louis Cardinals.

Faith was the driving force of her life. She was a founding member of East Shelby Christian Church in 1982 and had been an active member of Oak Lane Christian Church, formerly East Win Christian Church, since 1990.

Sharon is survived by her son Mike Little (Leigh Ann) and daughter Becky Donahue (Jorge); three granddaughters, Shannon Briggs, Kayton Little and Allie Donahue; great-granddaughter Lucy Briggs; sister-in-law Tracy Dorris; nephews Johnny Dorris and Shawn Dorris (Donna); niece Angie Daniels (Rick); and many beloved extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ron; parents, Ruth and John; brother Danny; many aunts and extended family; and her many spoiled and adored dogs: Peppy, Pug, Pete, Poopsie, Duke, Freeway, Precious, Kandy and Belle.

A visitation will be held at Oak Lane Christian Church, 10611 Collierville Road, on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at noon, followed by a celebration of life at 1 p.m. and a private family burial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Oak Lane Christian Church.