Carol Sue Little

Carol Sue Little (O’Farrell), 74, passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at her home in Cleveland, Texas, after a brief battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A loved one best described her as friendly, loving, forgiving, and funny. Susie knew all the family history. Love was her middle name, and even strangers adored her. Susie always had bright clothes and bows in her hair. She was loved by so many and will be missed.

Susie entered this world on November 28, 1949, in Houston, TX. She was born to parents Otis and Clara Lucille O’Farrell. Later, Susie grew up in a large family with two brothers and four sisters. Her father, a former navy man, supported the family as a sign painter. They traveled around the country, sprucing up old silos on farms. Later, her mother remarried Carl Rice, a second father to Susie.

Susie and her sisters went out one night in 1967 to go square dancing, where she met Jimmy Little, who was fresh out of the Navy. He was her first and only sweetheart. They married on June 10, 1967, and raised four children together: James Patrick, Vanessa, Troy, and Casey. She started a collection of ceramic dolls and knick-knacks as a newlywed, and that was a lifetime hobby. Susie stayed home with the children when they were young. Her children had many fond memories of their children, one of which was drifting off to sleep with her reading the Western Adventures of writer Louis L’Amour at bedtime, emphasizing each word so that you could visualize what was going on. Susie loved swimming, and the family often visited local lakes on vacation breaks or to celebrate family. Susie found joy in caring for the elderly, graduated from the Texas School of Business in 2007, and started full-time home health care until she retired to care for her husband. Susie was a Maw-Maw to seventeen grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren, who all were very special to her.

Susie Little has always had a love for God since her childhood. She enjoyed singing hymns with her mother growing up. Many recall that she loved to talk about her faith and learn about other’s beliefs. She knew that having a good relationship with God was more valuable than any treasure on Earth and would bring her happiness forever. It was encouraging to see how strong her faith was that her God would take care of her. She looked forward to seeing her Jimmy again but also treasured the time she had with her family and friends who had come to visit her during her last year. Susie was known to take in those in need and love them as her family. She was an amazing woman. Always free-spirited and happy. It did not matter if you were hungry or needed clothes or a place to lay your head. She’d welcome you in. She and Jimmy both. God said to “help thy neighbor” and “feed the hungry.” She always believed that no matter how bad a situation is, if someone comes to you and needs your help, you help them. Always stay positive. To show love and care to others and pray with them. Susie adopted many young ones throughout her life into the family, lovingly referred to as her “catch me” kids. These included all her nieces and nephews because she loved them as much as hers. They have gone on to have their own families but continue to remember the values she instilled in their youth.

Susie loved to be hospitable and enjoyed cooking for her loved ones. Her children loved her fried chicken, potato salad, and homemade gravy. She also enjoyed relaxing and observing God’s creation, watching the hummingbirds, who made her smile as they dive-bombed each other at the feeders. She loved flowers and nature. She and her sister would stop if a nice hill were spotted on a road trip to roll down it. That is who she was, taking every opportunity to appreciate the little things in life.

Susie was also known to always have one of her pups with her in the vehicle. Pie and Squirt. They were very important to her and brought joy to her life, especially after the loss of her Jimmy. Susie and her sisters took a final trip with their mother before she passed to visit her favorite places in Montana from her childhood. They had a wonderful time and recounted all the fun times they had. Susie Little was preceded in death by the love of her life for nearly 58 years, Jimmy Little. Also, her child Baby Little, her father Otis O’Farrell, mother Lucille Partain, stepfather Carl Rice, and brothers David O’Farrell and Patrick O’Farrell.

She is survived by her children: James Patrick and (Tina) Little, Vanessa and (Jeffrey) Tidwell, Troy and (Dusty) Little, and Casey and (Sam) Windell. Her grandchildren: Micha, Cody, Nikki, James Troy, Megan, Layne, Cory, Brandon, Tori, Zachary, Tory, Dakota, Crissy, Mariah, Trey, Bailey, and Steele, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, and her “Catch Me” kids.

A private memorial was held for Susie on October 12, 2024 at the Cleveland Senior Citizen Center in Cleveland, TX. Susie Little will be laid to rest with her beloved Jimmy at a later date.

If you would like to remember Susie, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, your family donate some time or donations to your local homeless shelter. Susie was passionate about helping others, which would be a great way to honor her memory. The family has set up a fund for anyone who wishes to contribute to Susie’s memorial final arrangements. Any help would be much appreciated. Surplus funds will be donated to those in need. Thank you.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-Susie-little-with-final-expenses