Robert Little

1/21/1944 – 10/31/2010
Robert M. Little Jr. was born on January 21, 1944 to the union of Robert and Cleo Little, whom has preceded him in death. Robert was the second of five children. One brother (Dorrence) and three sisters (Patrice, Yvette, Leah); sister (Patrice) precedes him in death. Robert made his peaceful transition from this earth to glory on Sunday, October 31, 2010 at 7:00 am.
As a young child he attended Brown Elementary School and McKinley High School in Chicago, Illinois. Robert confessed hope in Christ at a young age, where he attended Holy Bethel Church, under the leadership of Elder Odell McKinney. He left Holy Bethel Church and followed his parents to King of Glory C.O.G.I.C. where his uncle, the late, Bishop Shepard Little presided as Pastor.
During high school Robert met and later married Andrea Collymore in August 1961 and, to this union, four children were born.  As a young man Robert worked as a machinist for ITT and did custodial work for Borg Warner, while pursuing a career in music. As Robert began his journey as a musician, he learned and mastered the saxophone (baritone) was the instrument of choice.  As he mastered his craft, Robert began to travel with such groups as the Temptations, Roberta Flack, The Staple Singers, and The Jackson Five. Robert was also affiliated with the musicians union and a member of the Operation Push Band under the leadership of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, and, music director Ben Branch. During his career as a musician he also learned to repair and restore instruments, as a part-time job. He later learned to play other instruments such as the piano, flute, and most woodwind instruments.
In 1973, after becoming injured at work, almost losing his fingers, Robert decided to embark on something new. He bought a book on jewelry making. After learning the basics of jewelry making Robert later took some classes and became a lapidary (stone cutter).
In September of 1980, Robert and his family relocated to the Pacific Northwest, Seattle Washington area. Shortly thereafter Robert and his wife separated. During the early to mid 80’s Robert met and entered into a common-law relationship with Norma Williams, where nine children were born to this union. Robert leaves to cherish his memory, a wife, eight sons, six daughters, thirteen grand-children, two great grand-children, two sisters, one brother, and a host of relatives and friends