Obituary: Jo Ann Newcomb Little
Mrs. Jo Ann Newcomb Little, age 79, passed away peacefully at her home in the early morning hours of Thursday, August 6, 2026.
Born August 16, 1946, she was the daughter of Eugene Clayton Newcomb and Mary Marshburn Newcomb. Following graduation from Greene Central High School, Jo Ann continued her post-secondary education at East Carolina University. There, she completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees in education, as well as her certification in education administration.
As a dedicated educator, her career spanned 36 years in the public school system, ranging from an elementary education teacher to an Assistant Principal. She touched countless lives during her tenure and aided in laying the fundamental building blocks for many children. She maintained many close relationships with fellow teachers she had worked with through the years.
Blessed with a keen eye for detail, that quality made her an exceptional teacher and administrator. It also gifted her with a talent for fine and well-placed décor in her home. Jo Ann never used a ruler to hang a picture, but relied on “eyeballing it,” where the perfect spot was always found. She loved Christmas and decorating her home for the holiday season. Over the years, she garnered a large collection of cardinals and Santas.
Jo Ann was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother to her family, and a cherished sister to her siblings. She was a longtime member of the Institute United Methodist Church until her health began to decline and limited her ability to attend church and its activities.
Her surviving family includes her husband of 58 years, Albert Earl Little; children, Joseph Little (Holly) of Snow Hill, and Erica Little Smith (Kenny) of Stantonsburg; grandchildren, Clayton Little, Addison Little, Cameron Smith and Caroline Smith; and siblings, Carolyn N. McNeill (Danny) of Bath, Fred Newcomb (Rhonda) of Stantonsburg, Patricia N. Jones of Snow Hill; and Mary Lou Sutton (James) of Benson.
A Memorial Service will be held 2 PM Sunday, August 9th, at the Chapel of Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service with Reverend Linda Grider officiating. The family sincerely appreciates your love and support. In lieu of receiving visitors at the home, they invite family and friends to offer their condolences immediately following the memorial service on Sunday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the family churches of Institute UMC, 4821 Bryan Hardy Road, La Grange, NC 28551 or Liberty Advent Christian Church, c/o Bobby Hughes 5616 Hwy 903 N, Ayden, NC 28513.
