Norma Little

Norma J. Little, age 85, of Newark, DE, passed away Sunday, November 30, 2025, due to a brief illness surrounded by family at Christiana Care-Accent Care in Newark. Norma is preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Jean K. Beard, and her sister, Dorothy E. Jarrell.

She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and a friend to many.

Norma is survived by her children, Deborah A. Little, Franklinton, NC, Richard Little-Tirpak (Jensen), Smyrna, DE, Donna M. Tighe (Tom), Wilmington, DE, Jacqueline L. Bradley, (Bruce), Cortland, OH. Brother-in-law, William Jarrell. Siblings, Richard Beard (Sandy), Camden, DE, and Judy Sherman (Dennis), Georgetown, DE. 8 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

Norma retired from the University of Delaware Bookstore after 20 years of service. Norma is a donor with the University of Delaware Anatomical Gift Program which is used exclusively for anatomical education of students.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to the Kingswood Food Closet in Norma’s memory.

c/o Kingswood United Methodist Church

300 Marrows Rd.

Newark, DE 19713

(302) 738-4478

[email protected]

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Norma is a donor with the University of Delaware Anatomical Gift Program which is used exclusively for anatomical education of students.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to the Kingswood Food Closet in Norma’s memory.

Condolences

Patricia Groff writes,

I am so sorry for your loss Ju. My thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Love you

12/04/2025 10:17 am

Helen Cox writes,

My condolences 🙏 to her family . I will miss Norma she was my neighbor and friend. We always seem to be in the laundry room the same day. Sending prayers 🙏 to her family.

12/04/2025 10:34 am

Molly Pieren writes,

I met your mom when we both were hired to work in a little store in Salem Ohio decades ago. We remained friends ever since and kept in touch. She was a funny, thoughtful, trustworthy, hard working woman and good friend and I will miss her. My heart goes out to all of you.

12/04/2025 07:29 pm

dennis Sherman lit a candle and writes,

Norma is my sister -in- law. From the moment I met her, she always made me feel welcome and part of the family. I got to see her at family events like parties, BBQs, dinners and more. I am very happy and blessed to have known her. She will be missed.

12/06/2025 06:45 am

Judy Sherman lit a candle and writes,

My sister Norma being the elder of us kids, has always been a pillar to the family. Yes, she was opinionated , sometimes stubborn and aren't we all; she always stayed true to her convictions. With this being said she did mellow a bit after retirement and loved to laugh, when she did it was contagious. Norma taught her children to also to be the same to have a good laugh and look at the lighter side of life with laughter. She was an avid reader of romance novels. At one point, after Norma's retirement, I remember her telling me she could read a book and half per week. Even with my earliest memory she always had a book either in her hand or next to her chair ready to be continued. After Norma moved to Delaware my sister's Dot, Norma and I always got together for our birthdays and major holidays .We all looked forward to "memory lane" which lead to... of course laughter and and nice relaxing meal together. Our brother Richard join Norma and I with these ventures after Dot departed this earthly realm to join Mom, Jean K. Beard and Dad, Norman K. Beard. Speaking of... Norma was named after them both...NORMA JEAN BEARD. I always thought this was very special and appropriate being she was the first born. Well Norma is in good hands of our Lord and Savior also in the good company of Mom, Dad, Dorthy (Dot),Jackie and many other family members proceeding her departure. Love you Norma until we are together again, hugs from the youngest of us all! L O L Judy Lynn Beard/ Sherman

12/06/2025 10:49 am

Debora and Louis Smith writes,

Rich, you and your family have louis and my condolences and prayers. we could not ask for better next door neighbors. love you much and know that God just gave you another angel too watch over you. She's spending Xmas with Jesus Christ this year. may she rest in peace.

12/11/2025 09:51 pm

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