Winston Little

At 6:30 am on Wednesday, November 14, 2018, Winston Lloyd Little passed from the loving arms of his family to those of his Heavenly Father. Betty, his faithful companion of 55 years, was his loving caregiver throughout his lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. The family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, prayers, and support of a network of family, church family, friends, and neighbors. They have made this difficult time so much easier.
Winston was born in Mena, Arkansas on January 24, 1942, to Yale Franklin Little and Lois Elizabeth (Lance) Little. He grew up and attended school there, graduating with the class of 1960. Soon thereafter, he met Betty Dennis, a lovely young lady from Claremore, Oklahoma, and the two were wed on July 21, 1963. They made their home in Mena for a time before moving to Claremore in 1964. This has been home since.
Winston was a hard worker all his life, beginning at the age of six, when he began picking cotton with his family. In high school, he worked at the local photography studio, which included taking pictures for the town newspaper. Eventually, he got a job at Piggly Wiggly, and his lifelong career was launched. When he moved to Claremore, he began working at Safeway, which later became Homeland. He worked at various Safeway/Homeland stores in the area over a career that spanned more than thirty years. Most of that time, he worked as a produce department manager, eventually ending up back at the Claremore store.
When the Claremore Homeland was sold, he interviewed for a job at Pratt-Whitney, an airplane parts company. The interviewer turned out to be a loyal customer of his produce department, and he got the job. He always felt that it was God-ordained. When Pratt-Whitney closed, he worked for a time at Walmart until his retirement.
Winston was a man of quiet strength and dignity. He loved the LORD with all his heart, and was in church every opportunity he got. He always made sure that his family was in church, as well. He instilled in them from a young age the importance of honoring God and His house. He was the faithful spiritual leader of his home, teaching his children by word and example to love God, to be people of character, and to always give a full day’s work for a day’s pay. His favorite saying was, “You’re never fully dressed without a smile”. He was a wonderful example of the Heavenly Father’s love for His children.
He was a devoted servant of the LORD, a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend to many. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Winston was preceded in death by his parents, Yale and Lois Little, his brother, Rev. Wayne Little, his sister, Betty Roberts, and his brother-in-law Thurman Roberts.
Those left to mourn his passing are his wife Betty; children Scott Little and wife Nancy, and Susan Bickford and husband Ron; grandsons Brandon and Geoffrey Bickford; his brother Rev. Jerry Little and wife Deanne; sisters-in-law Imo Little and Beverly Dawes; brother-in-law Bob Dawes; and aunt Lorene Lance. Also numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.