WHEREAS, Edwin Francis Little, a lifelong resident of Smithfield and a business owner there who was well known for his kindness and generosity, died on December 10, 2020; and

WHEREAS, born in Newport News, Edwin Little grew up in Isle of Wight County, where he graduated from Smithfield High School; and

WHEREAS, Edwin Little attended embalming school in Cincinnati, Ohio, before deciding to serve the Smithfield community as the owner of Little's Flower Shoppe; and

WHEREAS, over the course of his 30-year career, Edwin Little brightened the days of countless community members by creating beautiful floral arrangements for every occasion; his attention to detail and pride in his work were evident in all his pieces, particularly in the arrangements for his annual Christmas open house; and

WHEREAS, Edwin Little also worked as a caterer and was well known for his delicious chicken salad and unique personal touches on all his dishes; and

WHEREAS, Edwin Little helped preserve the history and heritage of the region and the Commonwealth on the Board of the 1750 Isle of Wight Courthouse for many years; and

WHEREAS, Edwin Little enjoyed fellowship and worship with the community as a member of Smithfield Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and a founding member of the Praise Six group, as well as a member of the church choir; and

WHEREAS, Edwin Little's greatest joy in his life was his beloved family, and he will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his sister, Patricia Little Batten, and her family, and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Edwin Francis Little, a highly admired entrepreneur and servant of the community in Smithfield; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Edwin Francis Little as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.