Virginia Sears Little, daughter of the late Lott Allen Sears and Alice Washington Sears was born April 3, 1934 in Cumberland County, Virginia.

She was reared in a loving home with five sisters, four of whom preceded her in death (Ruth, Evelyn, Lillian, and Margaret). She answered her call to eternal rest early in the morning on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at Heritage Hall in Dillwyn, Virginia.

At an early age, Virginia was converted, baptized and joined the Tearwallet Baptist Church, where her membership remained. During her faithful years of service to the church she served as Trustee, Church Treasurer for over 30 years, member of the Missionary and Pastor’s Aid Ministries in addition to serving on various committees. Virginia graduated from Cumberland Training School in 1952.

She attended Virginia State College (now University) in Petersburg, Virginia and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. She became a dedicated member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. After graduation Virginia relocated to New Jersey where she was employed as a Dietician at the Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital in Jersey City, New Jersey. On November 22, 1969, Virginia was joined in holy matrimony to Oscar L. Little.

In 1978, Virginia and her husband moved back to Virginia and established their residence in Cumberland. After her husband’s death in September, 1986, Virginia decided to pursue an advanced degree.

She returned to Virginia State University and in 1994 graduated with a Master’s in Education. For a number of years she was employed as the Director of the WIC Program in Cumberland, Amelia and Buckingham counties. She was also employed by Cumberland County Public Schools as the Nutritionist and Director of Food Services. She later became the Nutritionist and Director of Food Services for Prince Edward County Public Schools.

Prior to her retirement she taught Culinary Arts. Virginia had a passion for cooking. She shared wonderful dishes and meals with family and friends and especially loved catering affairs. She had a vibrant personality which was reflected by her love for the color “red”.

Virginia was a loving wife, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. She will be dearly missed by those who loved her. Her memory will be cherished by her loving and devoted sister Doris Sears Brown (Carl); godsons (nephews) Clarence A. Holcomb (Coletta); Lawrence (Skeet) Brown and David B. Travis, III; nephew Wayne W. Holcomb (Terri); nieces, Deborah H. Travis (David), Renell Steward (Harry), Antoinette C. Brown, and Lavunda (Von) Brown; great-nephews, Lawrence Brown, II, Marquise Jones, Clarence A. Holcomb, Jr., Darrion Holcomb; great nieces, Melanie H. Simpson (Brandon), Shannon Smith, Dionne Travis, Danette T. Sajous (Carl), Shantel Holcomb, and Lillian Holcomb; eight great-great nieces; one aunt, Viola Sears; devoted friend and cousin Jean Shaw; devoted friend Hyacinth Johns and a host of cousins and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Tearwallet Baptist Church of Cumberland, Virginia with interment in the church cemetery. Marian Gray Thomas Funeral Home was in charge of services.