Cover photo for Sue Marlene Little's Obituary
Sue Marlene Little Profile Photo
1933 Sue 2019

Sue Marlene Little

January 9, 1933 — May 23, 2019

SUE LITTLE

Sue Marlene Little was born on January 9, 1933. A resident of Cleveland-Bradley County, Tennessee for 47 years, she left this world on May 23, 2019. The daughter of the late Anthony L. Stanchina and Faye Turner Stanchina, she was preceded by husband Paul E. Little.
Sue grew up in Bethlehem, West Virginia. She was a member of Christ’s Church. Her beloved father and hero died on Christmas Eve when she was a teenager. She always loved writing and became editor of her high school newspaper. Sue earned local, state, and regional awards for a patriotic speech that she composed and won the national competition. The grand prize was a trip to Washington DC. Unfortunately, the President was unavailable during her visit but she enjoyed meeting the Vice President, the head of the FBI, and other dignitaries, as well as getting an official tour of our nation’s capital.
Sue graduated from Wheeling High School. She married Paul while he was attending Ohio State and she was a student at Muskingum College in New Concord. When her children were young, Sue was a published author for a national children’s magazine. She enthusiastically supported his husband’s career with Olin. Corporate transfers moved them with their five children and pets to Virginia, Illinois, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, and Tennessee. Both considered Tennessee “home” and retired to the City of Spirit, Cleveland and enjoyed a cabin retreat on the Hiwassee River near Charleston.
A former newspaper reporter, photographer, editorial writer, copywriter for an advertising agency, hospital publications editor, and free-lance newspaper feature writer, Sue also wrote articles and used featured photography to promote many philanthropic causes benefiting people and pets. Although camera-shy herself, she braved doing a weekly television spot to encourage adoption of pets from the Cleveland Animal Shelter.
After retirement, Sue helped form and manage non-profit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of pets and people. Her first priorities for companion animals were humane education; spaying and neutering programs; and encouraging the adoption of pets from the Cleveland Animal Shelter into foster care for rehabilitation and socialization until forever homes could be found. She was especially grateful to the Cleveland Animal Shelter officers for their compassionate service and commitment to second chances.
Sue enjoyed every aspect of writing her weekly column in the Sunday edition of the Cleveland Daily Banner during the last two decades. The column showcased local heroes dedicated to respecting God’s creation and creatures in the community.
Sue is survived by five children (spouses), five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren: son Paul Little (Angela), granddaughter Erin (Dietrich) and great-grandchildren Delia and Quinn and grandson Ryan; daughter Sally Little (Vaughn); son Matt Little (Diego) and grandson Josh; daughter Katy Maneman and son David; and son David Little (Delota) and grandchildren Chandra and Tucker. She is also survived by her adopted canine children Danny, Quincy, Sasha, and Toby and adopted feline children Thomas and Fess Q whose care continues in her Cleveland home by daughter Sally.
Sue loved this prayer written by Dr. Albert Schweitzer:
“O, heavenly Father, protect and bless all things that have breath; guard them from all evil; and let them sleep in peace. Amen.” A humane mission is planned for this autumn as a community tribute to Sue’s life and legacy of love for all of God’s creatures. Share your prayers, thoughts, and ideas with Sally by sending an email to martianfolkart@gmail.com.
Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland is honored to assist the Little family with the arrangements of Sue Little.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Sue Marlene Little, please visit our flower store.

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