LaVelma Ballard-Little

LaVelma Jane Ballard-Little departed this Earth and arrived at the Gates of Heaven on Sunday, March 26, 2023. She was born Feb. 16, 1954, to the late Leon Berry and Mary Richie in Neelyville, Missouri.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert Little and brother Alvin Louis Richie.

She began her Christian journey at the age of 11 years as a member of the El Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Neelyville, under the leadership of and baptized by the late Rev. R. P. Peoples; and later the late Rev. J. J. Bounds. After relocated to St. Louis, Missouri in 1975, she joined the Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church and was a member until her death.

LaVelma is survived by three daughters: Erika L. Ballard (Phil), Palm Coast, Florida; Terra B. R. Little, St. Charles, Missouri; Sylvia C. Little-Hill (Mike), Columbia, Illinois; sisters: Regina E. Long, Texas, and Sylvia A. Ballard, Poplar Bluff, Missouri; brothers: Raymond L. Richie, Granite City, Illinois, and Ray Charles Ballard (Marry Ann), Malden, Missouri; granddaughters: Sierra G. Hughes and Jadelyn D. Ballard-Witherspoon; grandsons: Julian M. Little and Londyn C. Little; great-grandsons: Alexander “AJ” Mason; Sincere Bailey and Stephen Bailey, Jr.; and a host of relatives and friends.

Visitation and services will by Tuesday, April 4, at the Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church, 4424 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108. Visitation will be 1-2 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m.