Hazel Gertrude Little

Hazel Gertrude Rawls Little June 2, 1927 - August 21, 2011. Hazel walked through the gates of Heaven on Sunday, August 21, 2011. She was born on June 2, 1927 in Aulander, North Carolina to a loving mother Madie and father Ernest. Ten years later, her baby brother, Sherwood was born. When she was sixteen, she met the love of her life, Beldon Little who survives her, and they married when she was just seventeen in December, 1944. Hazel's life was illuminated and enriched by the births of her two daughters, Lorraine and Beverly, and two grandsons, Tony and Buddy. She gained a son when Lorraine married Butch and a grandaughter when Buddy married Mari. Hazel was the most selfless human being a person could know. She devoted her life to others -- caring for her parents before their deaths, and caring for her husband, putting him before herself. Hazel was a pioneer, opening Port Norfolk Beauty Salon, at a time when it was not fashionable for a lady to work outside of the home. Patrons felt better about themselves through her gift of style. Hazel leaves behind to cherish her always, husband, Beldon N. Little; her daughter, Lorraine Bisese, and her husband, Butch; her daughter Beverly Turner; her grandson, Joseph A. "Tony" Bisese, II; her grandson, Franklin "Buddy" Turner and his wife, Mari; brother, Sherwood Rawls and his wife, Nora; two nieces, Lisa and Michelle; beloved friend, William E. Kass; and beloved friend, Laura M. Carini. The family will gather at Loving Funeral Home, Churchland, from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, August 23. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 24 at Pinecrest Baptist Church, Portsmouth, and interment will be in Aulander Cemetery, Aulander, North Carolina, following the funeral. On-line condolences may be made at www.lovingfuneralhome.com and memorial contributions can be made in her honor to the American Cancer Society or to the National Kidney Foundation. Hazel was a wonderful human being, whose existence enhanced and brightened the lives of those she touched. Her kind smile and loving spirit made this world a better place, and now as one of God's Angels returns Home, we know that the same is true in Heaven. The family wishes to thank Medical Transport personnel, DaVita Dialysis Center caregivers, her doctor, R. Michael Camp, and her long-time pastor and friend Tom Potter for the excellent care and attention given to her.