WILMINGTON — Evelyn Phelps Little, age 98, went to be with Jesus on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
She was born January 23, 1927, to Robert and Janie Phelps in Brunswick County. She lived a childhood of rural America until she met and married Clarence Little. The couple moved to Wilmington and began their life together, first in downtown Wilmington and eventually to the Seagate area.
Evelyn was a savvy homemaker, making clothes, tending a huge vegetable garden (especially those collards and butter beans), and keeping a ship-shape house while tending to four children. She eventually went into the world of work outside the home, at first working for New Hanover County Schools, then into the retail business. Her last career endeavor sent her into the realm of senior care as a CNA and as a home health care companion, which became her passion. She cared for her seniors as if they were her own family and they loved her back.
Evelyn was a longtime member of Seagate Baptist Church, serving in leadership of the WMU, participating in the choir, and ministering on various committees of the church. She eventually joined her children at Winter Park Baptist Church to worship and enjoy senior activities. She especially thrived in her daughter’s Sunday School class.
Mrs. Little was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Janie Phelps, her husband Clarence, brothers Albert, Homer, Bonnie, Audie, and Coolidge, and sister Dorothy West.
She is survived by her four children: Dolan Little and his children Connie Lee (Steve) and Graham Little; Bernice McAtee (Dana) and children Robert Pearson, Jr. and Beverly Ladd; Alvin Little (Debbie, deceased) and children Courtney Little and Carley Naikelis; and Wanda Gordy (Terry) and children Terrell Gordy and Richard Gordy. She also had 6 great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored. Surviving also is her beloved younger sister, Margaret Phelps McLeod in Jacksonville, FL as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
A funeral service celebration of her life will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 2pm at Winter Park Baptist Church. The family will greet guests prior to the service in the sanctuary at 1pm. There will be a graveside service following at Oleander Memorial Gardens.
