It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the Queen of our family, our beloved Betty Little Duncan, on December 29, 2025. Betty was born on August 17,1924, to the late Lena Dell Little and Elvin Floyd (Bub) Little in Pons, VA.
She was also preceded in death by her brother, Jack Little and a grandson, John Duncan Grizzard. Her 101 years were filled with joy as she was affectionately known as “Mom” to her children, Constance D. Grizzard and Wayne L. Duncan, Jr.(Phyllis), “Aunt” to her nieces Bobbie and Sally, “Oma” to her grandchildren, Lee (Tammy), Mark (Connie), Jason, Mila, Tess, Brooke and Elizabeth, and “Omi”, to her great grandchildren, Noah, Harrison, Barritt, Jordan, Logan, William, Ava, Nora, Cosmo, Eartha, Kellen, Everett; and “Betty” to her Wednesday phone friend, Jean Duncan.
She spent most of her century (+1 yr) of life in Smithfield, VA, where she graduated from Smithfield High School and afterwards attended Farmville Teachers College. Betty gave back to her community by volunteering at Christ Episcopal Church Penny-Wise shop and Riverside Hospital. In her spare time, she was either reading, playing games on her I-Pad or shouting at the TV while watching her favorite sports football, golf, and tennis.
Betty lived life to the fullest and while doing so she filled our hearts until they overflowed with love. She spent her final years in Kill Devil Hills, NC, surrounded by family where she had a spectacular view of the sound and the breathtaking sunsets. We will forever be reminded of her spunk, spirit, wit, and zest for life. Whenever we truly appreciate the beauty all around us, that’s where she will be.
In lieu of flowers, Betty would deeply appreciate a donation to a SPCA as she adored animals.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Little’s Funeral Home, Smithfield, VA. Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks and Little’s Funeral Home, Smithfield, VA is assisting the family with arrangements.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.littlesfuneralhomesmithfield.com or www.TwifordFH.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1515 S. Church Street, Smithfield, VA 23430

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