Nita Black Apperson Little, 91, of Blacksburg, Virginia was peacefully reunited in God’s Kingdom on Feb. 4, 2018. She died in her home with close ones by her side. This blessed reunion included her husband of 68 years, Mr. Harland B. Little, Jr., her parents, Kent Apperson and Margaret Earheart Rucker Apperson, her sister Elizabeth Apperson Myers, her son, Harland Kent Little; and an infant son. She was the second of the four Apperson daughters.
Nita was born on March 9, 1926 and was a life-long resident of Blacksburg, Virginia. Nita was a great niece of Alexander Black, and as such, a direct descendant of the Black family that founded the Town of Blacksburg. The Blacks were also instrumental in the formative years of Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VA Tech). Her father, Kent Apperson, a WW1 veteran, was a horticulturist who specialized in apple orchards and farmed what is now Apperson Park in Blacksburg. Mr. Apperson also assisted orchard growers up and down the Shenandoah Valley and spent two years in Bedford with his family while Nita was a small child. After her return to Blacksburg, Nita spent several years visiting the Black Family in the recently restored Victorian Alexander Black House. She documented her many childhood memories there. Her lineage also includes the Rucker, Miller, and Kent families of Blacksburg and Montgomery County.
She attended primary school in the three brick buildings bounded by Roanoke Street and Draper Road, across from the Farmers’ Market in Blacksburg. She graduated from Blacksburg High School in 1944. She met a handsome VPI Cadet, Harland B. Little, Jr., and upon his return from WWII and they were married on December 21st, 1946. They raised three sons from their home on the original Apperson orchard. Raising three boys was a challenge that they met with love, fair discipline, and wisdom. Nita graduated from Radford College, Woman’s Division of VPI in 1962 with a B.S. in Education.
She taught at Margaret Beeks Elementary School from 1964 to 1986. Even up to her death, many former students recognized her during outings and expressed their love and appreciation for her. Some stayed in contact with her for years. Many said that she was their best teacher and she helped them to learn responsibility, respect, and base-lined them for life. Nita and her husband, Harland, held a strong bond with their grandchildren, some of whom spent their summers at their Blacksburg home. Nita was so kind to the neighbors’ children, who were delighted with the big lawn and Nita’s company.
Her dream was that the town would someday create a museum, and that dream came true. The Town of Blacksburg and the Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation restored the Black House and transformed it into “The Alexander Black House and Cultural Center”. Nita attended the ribbon cutting of the restored Black House on August 6th, 2014, one of the proudest days of her life. Nita’s memories were essential to the restoration and contributed to the character and narrative of the Alexander Black House.
Nita was a life-long and devoted member of the Blacksburg United Methodist Church where she was baptized in 1926. Among her many activities there, her favorite was ministering to church and community members who resided at Warm Hearth. She was a member of women’s groups and Circles, and a faithful member of Adult Sunday School classes.
All who knew Nita will always remember her lovely, warm smile, amazing spirit, and encouragement. She will be missed by so many. She was a woman of great integrity, love, support, and a faithful wife and mother. It is such a comfort to us to know she is with Jesus and her preceding family in the Lord’s Kingdom.
Her survivors include sisters Mary Kent Apperson Elliott and Pam Apperson Mason; her sons Craig Miller Little and Charles Michael Little; her grandchildren Sheridan L. Little, Michael K. Little (spouse Marisol Little), Jill L. Sarsfield (spouse Mark Sarsfield), Coulter B. Little (spouse Aleia S. Little), Anthony R. Little, and Kayla L. Guenther (spouse Jon Guenther). She is also survived by great-grandchildren Lauren Grace and Ryan Kent Little, Harland Alexander Little, Emily R. Sarsfield, Addison Sandoval and Jonathan M. Guenther. Surviving nieces and nephews include Arthur C. Little Jr., Coulter Little, Elizabeth Little, William Smith, Allen Smith, Ashley Sullivan, David and Steve Elliott, George Sutton, Molly Williams, Brick Mason, and many great nieces and nephews. Surviving daughters-in-law are Pamela Little, Cindy Ray, Donna Little, and Cheryl Little.
The family would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the Warm Hearth at Home Team, for their loving attention, to include: Ashley Dixon, Reba Grubb, Brenda Allen, and Leona Thompson. We also are deeply indebted to our new family who provided wonderful care to Mom; Jean, Jan, Dallas, and Lotus, and all the wonderful neighbors on Little Circle, especially John and Maureen. And thanks to the good folks of Carilion Hospice.
Services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018 at the Blacksburg United Methodist Church, 111 Church Street, Blacksburg, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Jennifer Fletcher presiding. A reception will follow in the Whisner Building. The family will hold a private internment earlier that day. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home.
