A Celebration of the Life of Betty Little, 84, of Purcell was held Tuesday, November 24, 2020. Services were under the direction of the Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell.

Mrs. Little passed away Friday, November 20, 2020.

Betty Jo Thornton was born August 29, 1936 in Bixby, Oklahoma, the middle child of Reeder and Velma (Caperton) Thornton. 

Betty, a majorette in the band, met a young man who on a dare, asked her for a date. His named was Wendell Little, and she eventually accepted his invitation. Betty graduated from Heavener High School in 1954.

On March 4, 1956, Wendell and Betty were married at the First Methodist Church in Heavener. Not too long after, Wendell was shipped out for an 18-month tour in France.  After returning, they made their home in Oklahoma City.  Betty attended the Draughn’s Business School and Wendell began taking classes at the University of Oklahoma, until Wendell started mortuary school.

They first made their home in Heavener, before moving to Stigler. It was here that they added baby girl Wendelyn in 1961 and a son, Kevin in 1963. Followed by short stints in Poteau and Magnolia, Ark., and in Norman, the Littles settled in Purcell. Wendell and Betty purchased the Conner-Sparlin Funeral Home, and in 1977, Little’s Funeral Home was established.

Right by Wendell’s side, Betty served Purcell and the surrounding communities for more than 20 years. She was the epitome of grace, and served with kindness and compassion.   In the late 1980s, they oversaw the completion of a new chapel which still stands today, serving families in their time of need.

Betty remained active in her community, serving in many capacities, and wherever needed. She was an active member of the Okeyha Mother’s Club, the Gladiolus Garden Club and volunteered at American Red Cross Blood Drives for many years. She was a woman of great faith and a longtime a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church.  Betty was a member of the Rotary Cooks, and held many local and state positions.

Betty cherished her family, and especially her grandchildren, and she looked forward to visiting family and friends.  Most importantly, she was a child of God, and leaves a great legacy for us all.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wendell Little; her parents, Reeder and Velma Thornton; sister, Faynelle Johnson and brother, Reeder Thornton, Jr.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Wendelyn Little DeMoss of Edmond; son, Kevin Little of Wilsonville, Ore.; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, and a host of other family and friends.  

Online condolences may be made at wilsonlittle.com.