Reverend James Bradford Little

Reverend James Bradford Little, age 61, of Taylorsville, passed into the presence of the Lord on Sunday, April 30 at Iredell Memorial Hospital. He is the son of the late Howard and Lucy Little. Reverend Little was born in Alexander County, February 13, 1956. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Shaw University, and Mitchell Community College. He was born into the family of God in September 1967. He was a member of St. John Baptist Church. Reverend Little was licensed to preach June 21, 1980 and ordained to the ministry on April 4, 1982. He was absolutely confident that his calling was to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lord called him to pastor four churches during his 37 years of ministry: Piney Grove Baptist Church of Moravian Falls, Mount Sinai Baptist Church of Catawba, Friendship Baptist Church of Union Grove, and New Damascus Baptist Church of Wilkesboro. Reverend Little believed in investing in people. He served on the election and evangelism committees of the North Carolina General Baptist State Convention. He was also on the Executive Board of the General Baptist State Convention. He faithfully served as president of the Yadkin Valley Missionary Baptist Sunday School Convention for ten years. He was also chairman of the Yadkin Valley Presbytery Council. Reverend Little coached Little League Football for the Alexander County Recreation Commission for a number years where he shared his love of sports. He is preceded in death by an infant brother: Howard Nathaniel Little. Reverend Little leaves behind his wife of 39 years, Paulette Little; to this union three children: Reverend Terence Little of Bethesda, Maryland, Aisha Little of Taylorsville, and Bradford Little of Wilkesboro; one granddaughter, Harper Joy Little; four sisters: Mrs. Althea Horton (David) of Lenoir, Ms. Margie Faye Little of Morganton, Ms. Joann Griffin of Taylorsville, and Mrs. Rosalind Linney (Rickey) of Hiddenite; and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Reverend Little will be deeply missed. He often began worship services with Psalm 118:24, “This is the day that the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” This day we, his family and friends, rejoice that Reverend Little is in the presence of his Lord, and we await the day when we join him among the heavenly congregation. To God be the glory in all things. Amen.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at Alexander Funeral Service from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. The body will lie in state for thirty minutes prior to the funeral service. The funeral service will be held on Friday, May 5, 2017 at 2:00 pm at St. John Baptist Church with the Rev. E.R. Millsaps, Rev. C.E. Rowe, and Rev. T.E. Martin officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.