Cleveland Alonza Little

Cleveland Alonza Little was born February 27, 1930, in Greenville North Carolina, the ninth child of ten siblings born to the late Lemon Little and Celia Little, nee Hatten. He was raised in a homogeneous community comprised of working-class people such as; sharecroppers, farmers, tobacco workers, and domestic workers that coexisted with doctors, lawyers, teachers, and professionals of all types. The common bond was a prime example of the old African adage, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Everyone participated in nurturing each other's children, holding each one to a high moral standard and educational expectancy. Education was encouraged and instilled in the children to strive to go to college and set higher goals for themselves. After graduating from Epps High School, Cleve was accepted to attend Johnson C. Smith University, but declined the offer and joined the Air Force instead to support two of his sisters so they could complete their bachelor degrees in nursing.

People were drawn to Cleve because of his magnetic personality. He had natural communication skills that enabled him to share ideas and opinions with anyone, irrespective of their social status. Being a man for and of the people, no personal circumstance was too high or too low. He treated everyone with respect. While in the service he attended the University of Washington and the University of Maryland, for teacher training. As a result, he excelled in the Air Force obtaining the rank of Chief Master Sergeant and was known and respected by all he encountered as “Chief!”. While in the Air Force he served honorably for 30 years with duties overseas in North Africa, Germany, Italy, Okinawa, Guam; Kunsan, Korea; and Stateside in; Seattle, Washington; Newburgh, New York; Denver, Colorado; Ogden, Utah; Las Vegas, Nevada; and finally Riverside, California where he retired. His final position was with the Department of the Navy where he retired after 18 years as a Naval Plant Inspector.

After retiring, Cleve and his wife Dorothy became confirmed members of Shephard of the Valley Lutheran Church. He was very active in the church working closely with the congregation as a Lay Minister, visiting those that were shut in and unable to attend church. The church recognized him by awarding a plaque in recognition for serving as Lay Minister for over 30 years. Cleve's dedication to his church and community is best represented in Matthew 25: 21 His Master said unto him, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

What can be said about this unique person? He was charismatic; a born leader; true to his values; and, confident in his convictions. He never met a person that he did not impress; always with a smile! These traits were an inherent part of his personality. His children and grandchildren respected him as a role model, teacher, and mentor. For example, summer vacation was a time he and Dorothy would travel with their grandchildren to historic Civil War sites, sharing his historical knowledge and biblical teachings. It was a given that he would take photos to document their travels. Cleve loved taking pictures and was the designated photographer for all events. When you look at family or church pictures, you will notice most of the time he was not in the photo.

Cleve is predeceased by eight siblings and survived by his sister, Sarah Harris. He leaves to cherish his extraordinary life and memories; his wife Dorothy of almost 65 years; his children, Gabrielle, Kevin, and Janel; his grandchildren, Tatum and her husband Craig Newman, Wayne, Jaushua, Rhys, Terrell; Jayson, and Jaylon; his unborn grandchild (Amaya Housie); honorary daughter Lori Condinus; sister-in-law Betty Pearl Little, nieces, nephews; and many friends.