Irvin Little

IRVIN LITTLE, age 68, went home to be with the Lord on March 22, 2020.

Irvin Little a loving husband, beloved father, grandfather, and loved one to many–passed away in his home on Sunday, March 22, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio after a courageous battle with cancer.

Irvin was born on November 30, 1951 to the late Hugh and Janie Mae Little (McCants) in Cincinnati, Ohio. Irvin came from a huge family as he was the youngest of 10 children. In his late adolescent years, Irvin moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he married the late Deborah Lynn Little; they had 7 children from their union. During his time in Detroit, Irvin began his career as a Crane Operator for the Chrysler Corporation. In 1984, his career at Chrysler required him to move to Ohio where he would spend the next 36 years of his life. Irvin retired from Chrysler in 2003 after 32 years of service.

On November 19, 2006, Irvin married his beautiful wife, Gracyele O. Little (Thomas). Through their union, Irvin was blessed with two stepchildren. Irvin and Gracyele embraced family and cherished 13 wonderful years together.

Irvin believed in God and he modeled his life with Godly principles. He accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior at an early age and more recently on February 17, 2020.

Irvin never met a stranger. He welcomed everyone into his heart and his home. Everyone who knew Irvin, knew that he absolutely loved his family. He instilled the importance of family in his children, and he treated everyone he met like family. Irvin had a big heart and lived an impactful life because of his generosity towards others. Irvin truly lived by the motto “enjoy life” and encouraged everyone to live by that motto. He lived a joyous life, always full of laughter, and he was hilariously funny. He loved music, he loved to travel, and he loved to dance. Irvin loved to learn, he never stopped learning and teaching himself new things. Irvin loved fashion, he stayed sharp, and always dressed in the most dapper attire—this was one of his favorite things to do.

His wife will remember him as the best husband with an infinite amount of love to give. His children will remember him as the family patriarch and best father anyone could have—who exuded a life of strength, persistence, joy, and family unity. Irvin meant so much to so many—he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother and friend.

Irvin is preceded in death by his parents Hugh and Janie Mae Little (McCants), three brothers, Melvin Little, Jack Little, and Ernest Little; three sisters, Barbara Bullock, Janie Hatchett and Alline Smith; his first wife, Deborah Lynn Little and one daughter Darnisha Maria Little.

Irvin leaves to cherish his beloved wife, Gracyele Little (nee Thomas); his children, Delonda Little, Deron Little, Dervonda Little, Delisha Murray (Charles), Danielle Little-Holmes (Mario), Delnita Little, Yolanda Wilder; step-children, Terathia Thomas and Heather Henry; “Cu-Niece” Carla Bullock; God daughter, Tammy Bolden; siblings, Essie McCoy, William Little, and Timothy Little of Cincinnati, Ohio; 23 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 3 best friends, Charles Fitzgerald, Richard Koebler, and Rico Burston; a host of nieces, nephews, and friends who loved and will miss him dearly.