Bess Little passed away on Nov. 26
BY JOY HARVILL AND NICOLE LAYTON
Teachers, staff, and administrators from White Oak and D.F. Walker gathered in the media center Sunday afternoon at White Oak Elementary School. They were joined by members from both the Board of Education and the Edenton-Chowan Educational Foundation, school system administrators, school volunteers, clergy, and community members to memorialize pre-K teacher Bess Little, who passed away in her sleep unexpectedly Tuesday night, Nov. 26.
After opening remarks from Michelle Newsome, Director of Elementary Education, and Micah Lynch, Principal at White Oak Elementary, the floor was opened for attendees to share their memories and thoughts.
Those who spoke remembered Bess with love and gratitude, as someone who was “a do-er” and a “lamb”, with a sincere heart for service to others. Several stories included her favorite phrases such as is, “it is what it is” and “we’ve got this”.
The group closed with prayer and hugs.
In addition to remembering Bess, administration detailed the plan for sharing the information with students and providing support for those who find themselves in need. Superintendent Tammi Ward approved a plan to have both Grace Bean and Bobi Bobbit, experienced pre-K substitutes, on campus Monday, as well as any clergy willing to be available for support and counseling.
Little was an educator for 27 years and served at White Oak of 20 of those years.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Edenton-Chowan Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 1012, Edenton, NC 27932 (memo line, Bess Little) for a scholarship to be named in her honor, or to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 548, Edenton, NC 27932.
So that those who wish to attend Little’s funeral may do so, both White Oak and DF Walker will release at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. According to an automated call from the school, there will be no school for Pre-K students. Little’s funeral is set for 2 p.m. Tuesday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 101 W. Gale St., Edenton.
To learn about Little and to view her full obituary, visit https://www.millerfhc.com/obituaries/bess-little
