Rachel Cornelia Hager Little

May 20, 1927 - Apr. 3, 2012

Rachel Cornelia Hager Little, 84, of Statesville, and a native of Iredell County, passed away Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at Gordon Hospice House. Mrs. Little was born on May 20, 1927 and was the daughter of the late Fred Elmore and Margaret Ferrell Hager. She was married on June 16, 1945 to Walter Junior Little who preceded her in death on August 19, 2009. She was raised at the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford, NC. After leaving the Masonic Home, she returned to Statesville and retired from Burlington Industries after 29 years of service. Mrs. Little was a longtime member of New Perth A.R.P. Church in Troutman where she served in numerous capacities. She was known throughout the community as an exceptional baker and a skilled gardener. She loved working in her rose garden, reading, swimming, dancing and spending time and special occasions with her family and friends. Mrs. Little is survived by three sons, Walter Lee Little (Jeanie), Paul Lesley Little (Nancy) and Fred Eugene Little (Kathy); 9 grandchildren, Tate Little (Emily), Heath Little (Tonya), Jerrod Little (Sarah), Chrissy Dillard (TJ), Doy Levan (Sandy), Didema Dagenhart (Jeff), and Dusty Levan (Angi), all of Statesville, Ryan Little (Christina) of Newton and Stephanie Tucker of Virginia; and 17 great grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Little was preceded in death by three brothers, Jackson Hager, Nelson Hager and William Hager and her stepmother, Rebecca P. Hager. A visitation will be held from 7-9:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 5, 2012 at Troutman Funeral Home. Funeral services celebrating the life of Mrs. Little will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 6, 2012 at New Perth A.R.P. Church in Troutman with the Rev. William Anderson officiating. Burial will follow the service at Iredell Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Masonic Home for Children, 600 College St., Oxford, NC 27565 or Hospice and Palliative Care, 2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville, NC 28625. The family would like to thank Dr. Ruby Grimm and her staff along with the nurses and staff of the North fourth floor of Iredell Memorial Hospital for the loving care provided to Mrs. Little.