Graten Little

Graten Courtney Little, Sr. was born to Rosa and Graten Little on October 6,1932 in Chicago, Illinois. He was the eldest of eight children. Graten passed away on September 27, 2022 at the age of 89, a week shy of his 90th birthday. Graten, fondly known as Sonny by his family, completed his early education in Evanston, Illinois. While in Junior High School, Graten was very active in the Boy Scouts of America, where he earned the level of Star Scout. His family moved to Detroit in 1950, and Graten attended Northern High School, where he was an All City Quarterback, and an honor student, graduating in the class of 1951. While in high school, Graten obtained a part time job as a drapery hanger assistant for Walter Hertz Interiors, where he became interested in Interior Design. After a tour of duty in the United States Army during the Korean War, Graten went on to become a professional interior designer. He attended Wayne State University for several semesters. He was certified with the American Society of Interior Design (A.S.I.D.) and worked for decades with Walter Hertz Interiors. Additionally, Graten taught Interior Design for many years at Wayne County Community College. After decades as an Interior Designer and Instructor, Graten retired from Interior Design to work at the Detroit Institute of Arts until 2018. Graten was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He also attended People's Community Church for many years, and was a charter member of the church's Chancel Choir. Graten married Vernethia Parker in 1965, and they had two lovely children -- Graten C. Little, Jr. and Sheniqua Little. While raising their family, they were very active in the Detroit Chapter of Tots 'n Teens, an African-American organization that promoted educational and cultural activities for families. Graten and Verne were also very active in The Set Club, a social group of African American professionals. Graten and Verne divorced in 1989. Graten loved nature, African art, football, good food and his family. He leaves to cherish his memory, his two children, his remaining siblings, as well as a host of loving relatives and friends. Mr. Graten Little made his transition on September 27th, 2022. Please encourage the Little family with words of love and encouragement on our Tribute page. To send flowers, or a memorial gift, to the family of Graten Little please visit our Sympathy Store. Zoom Instructions 1. Go to Kempfuneralhome.com. 2. Click on your loved one’s photo. You are now on their Tribute Page. 3. You should see a tab labeled photo & videos (or it may be labeled media, depending on your device). Select that tab. 4. Just before the service starts, you will see an icon labeled Webcast (or it may be labeled external video, depending on your device). Select the icon. 5. You will begin to launch into the zoom meeting. 6. Wait for host to let you into the meeting.

Graten Little

October 6, 1932 - September 27, 2022