Jacqueline M. Little

Jacqueline Marie Little went home to be with the Lord early Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at the age of 90. Jackie, as she was known to friends and family, was born in Washington, D.C. to Henry Lewis and Emily Miller Polk on September14, 1930. Jackie was joined a few years later by her brother Henry Polk, Jr. (Little Henry) with whom she shared a happy childhood. She cherished her time at historic Dunbar High School making life long friendships. She went on to attend Miner Teacher’s College (now the University of District of Columbia) becoming a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Jackie graduated with a B.A. in Education. While on the campus of nearby Howard University she met the love of her life George W.W. Little III (“Doc”). They wed March 11, 1953. Their union yielded three children: George Michael, Iris Marie and James Edward. Jackie and George moved to Harrisburg in 1963 and set down roots. Though a devoted mother, Jackie worked to help support educational and cultural activities to Central Pennsylvania. She served as chair of the Black Cultural Alliance bringing Ella Fitzgerald and Billy Eckstine in for concerts along with other events. Jackie also served as Secretary of the Thomas & Birdie Smith Arts Foundation in Washington, D.C.

When her husband was involved in a grave accident Jackie assumed the responsibility of caregiver and keystone in the Little family. She was a ‘Rock of Gibraltar’. She balanced giving loving care to her family with going back into the classroom in the Harrisburg City Schools. During her career teaching reading, she touched many lives along the way. In 2003 she and Doc celebrated 50 years of marriage. Not long after that, her beloved succumbed to complications from his accident. Jackie continued teaching up until her retirement.

Jackie loved family and friends. She enjoyed traveling, the arts, a lively game of Bridge, books and music from Bach to Bruno Mars. Jackie was an ardent animal lover. She was a devoted daughter of Christ and never hesitated to brighten the lives of others- no matter what. She is survived by her son George, daughter Iris, dear nephew Christopher Polk, sister-in-law Margo Polk, daughters-in-law Janea Hackett Little, Audrey Croley Little, grandchildren Joy and Leonard (Thomas), James, Gregory and William (Little) along with numerous cousins.

“Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality” -Emily Dickinson

Visitation on Thursday, April 8th 2021 at Hooper Memorial Home, Inc. from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. all COVID-19 restrictions will be in place and burial on Friday, April 9th 2021 at Round Hill Cemetery in Elizabeth, PA.