C. Vernethia Little-Kanoyton

Funeral Service for Verne Little-Kanoyton LIVE STREAM SERVICE Monday, June 29, 2020 at 12:30pm ET kempfuneralhome.com --> click on C. Vernethia Little-Kanoyton picture --> click on her image on her tribute page (live stream starts 10 minutes prior to service) A private family service of less than 10 people will occur in person at Kemp Funeral Home. No viewing or visitation will occur. CARDS for Verne Little-Kanoyton RECEIVED AT Kemp Funeral Home 24585 Evergreen Rd, Southfield, MI 48075 (or please leave kind words and memories on this page) DONATIONS INSTEAD OF FLOWERS We are asking friends and family to make donations to the Alzheimer's Association "In Memory" of "Verne Little" at alz.org Her children, Graten Little, Jr and Sheniqua Little, are truly grateful for all of the support and encouragement that so many have shared. Thank you for loving us, and thank you for having loved my mom. C. Vernethia Little-Kanoyton, affectionately known as Verne, was born to Clarence Williams and Gusilee Williams (later Gusilee Parker) in Detroit, MI. (Both parents preceded her in death.) She was the youngest of two. (Her brother James also preceded her in death). She is survived by two children, Graten Jr. and Sheniqua, as well as two ex-husbands (Graten Little, Sr and Gaylord Kanoyton). Verne was raised in Detroit and graduated from Central High School. As a young adult, she was very active in the NAACP youth group. Being a very determined and intelligent young woman, she earned a degree in Business from Lewis College of Business. She also earned her Master’s of Business Administration Degree from The University of Detroit. Married to Graten C. Little, Sr, their union was blessed with two children: one son, Graten Little, Jr. and one daughter, Sheniqua Little. Verne was a doting mother who was fully engaged with her children’s development in social activities and education. The Littles were active members of the Tots ‘n Teens organization, which exposed the children to civic and cultural activities, as well as leadership roles during regional and national conventions. As a result, she was very proud to see both of her children graduate and attain college degrees. Faith and church life were an anchor for Verne. She and her family made Hartford Memorial Baptist Church their home church in 1986, under the leadership of Dr. Charles G. Adams. Verne attended regularly and contributed in several ways, such as sharing her business expertise on several committees and taskforces. The Prayer Band group that she formed with 3 other women at the church carried her family through many trials over the years. Regarding her professional life, Verne worked many years in the Human Resources Department of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM). She leveraged her role as Manager, and ultimately Director, of Human Resources to improve people’s lives – to help people obtain their first internships and jobs, to advocate for fair pay and promotions, and to increase diversity within the organization where possible. Dozens of people have come up to our family over the years stating how she changed their life or helped them keep their job. After Blue Cross, Verne started an adult foster care facility funded by the State of Michigan, which helped individuals who were successfully released from the mental hospital re-integrate into society. Again, hundreds of lives were touched and improved through the service. In the final phase of her working life, Verne was the Executive Director of a nonprofit that rehabbed homes and helped people attain affordable housing. There is a clear thread of service throughout Verne’s entire career. Verne was also involved in several civic and professional organizations. She was active with the Jim Dandy Ski Club and the Set Club where she attended and helped coordinate many functions. Verne was a member of the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Detroit 1981 Class. Also, Verne was initiated into the Detroit Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in May 1984 on the Pilot 21 line. The sisterhood of Delta filled Verne’s life in so many treasured ways. Most importantly, Verne loved her family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them. She made a big deal of family weekends on Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day. She made Easter baskets for her children every year until they graduated college. She relished decorating the house for the holidays and creating memories. Verne celebrated life and will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her. After experiencing the challenges of dementia, and after battling illness in the hospital for roughly two weeks, Verne transitioned peacefully in the arms of the Lord on June 20, 2020.

C. Vernethia Little-Kanoyton

May 27, 1940 - June 20, 2020