Sally Little's Obituary
Sally Rabun Little, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026. She was born in Chattanooga to Roy Rabun and Juanita Rabun, née Adams. She was married for 48 years to her beloved husband, John Little, Jr. Sally was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.
She is survived by her husband, John; her daughters, Katharine Odom and her husband, Michael, of Athens, Ga., Caroline Baker and her husband, Todd, of Chattanooga, and Sally Nelson and her husband, Sam, of Lookout Mountain, Ga.; and her six grandchildren, Jasper and Poppy Odom, Teddy and Louise Baker, and Davis and Mary Nelson. She is also survived by her sister, Diane Rabun Ryder and her husband, Charlie, of Signal Mountain; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Jann Little of Hixson, with whom she was especially close; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Liz and John Boyles; her sister-in-law, Jane Little; and her nieces and nephew, Sarah Little, Jim Little, Mary Boyles Zachary, and Martha Boyles Law.
Sally was deeply devoted to her family and to the many friends whose lives she touched. She worked at the United Way-funded Volunteer Community School and later at John Little State Farm Insurance Agency. She was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Riverview Garden Club, and the Chattanooga Golf and Country Club. For several years, Sally also wrote the River Ratter column along with wedding articles for the Lookout Mountain Mirror. As an avid gardener, her constant love and attention to the maintenance and beautification of the Riverview Bird Sanctuary will be missed.
Sally will be remembered for her loyalty, warmth, and devotion to the people and community she loved. She had a gift for friendship and a deep love for her family, especially her grandchildren, who brought her great joy.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, May 31, at 1 p.m. at St. John’s 729 Chestnut St., Chattanooga, Tn. 37402.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration theaftd.org; All in Chattanooga allinchattanooga.org; Northside Neighborhood House nnhouse.org.
Sally’s family and friends will remember her generous heart, her gracious spirit, and the way she made those around her feel loved and remembered. Her devotion to her family, her friendships, and her community will remain a lasting part of her legacy.
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