Minister Patricia Ann Little

1949 - 2022

Minister Patricia Ann Sylvain Little peacefully entered eternal rest on May 14, 2022 surrounded by loved ones. Patricia was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on July 1, 1949 to Julius Joseph Sylvain, Sr. and Mable Labay Sylvain. She was the sixth of eight children. Patricia was a deeply caring and devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend and teacher. Patricia's life since childhood revolved around her passionate relationship with God, family, music and dance. She graduated from St. Mary's Academy High School. She received a certification in Music Education from the University of New Orleans. She received an A. A. Degree in Music from Delgado Junior College, a B. A. Degree in Music Therapy from Loyola University, a Masters in Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University-Portland and a Masters of Religious Studies from Liberty University. She joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority's graduate chapter while at Loyola University. Her love for dance began at home with her sisters. She obtained training in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap and African dance from a number of local and international dance professionals including some associated with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Company and Martha Graham. Since 1971, she shared her love of the arts by teaching dance at Delgado College and several other places. She was an extremely talented dancer and choreographer. In 1977, she became an instructor and member of the New Orleans Contemporary Dance Company, Inc. By 1979, she was co-owner and Director of this highly acclaimed dance school and company. 'Contemporary', as it was known, made a powerful impact on dance in the deep south with reverberations seen in dancers today. During that time, she developed a scholarship program for young dancers. She also worked as a Music Therapist at Belle Chase State School and the Central Louisiana State Hospital. To enhance her communication with hearing impaired students, she learned sign language. She was an educator at the Holman Vocational Center where she assisted girls with developmental disabilities. For many years, she choreographed liturgical dance at Asbury United Methodist Church and was a choreographer and dancer at St. Raymond/St. Leo Catholic Church. She developed the 'Let Freedom Ring' Program and published a book on the program which included original stories, poems and songs she wrote. Since 1973, Patricia shared her talents and joy for music at several New Orleans Parish Public and Catholic Schools as a Movement Specialist and Music Therapist. She retired from Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School in 2020 after over 23 years of teaching piano to countless children through the 'Music and the Brain' program. Her phenomenal work in this program was highlighted on a national television show, "Sunday Morning". Over the years, she was engaged in a number of entrepreneurial ventures. She was a voice instructor and the owner of Little Piano Studies. Patricia taught private and group piano lessons to scores of young people until a few weeks before her transition. She was a very dedicated and faithful founding member at Faith Full Gospel Baptist Church where she was baptized and later licensed to preach the gospel on September 18, 2016. Minster Little was the Director of New Members Ministry, member of the Voices of Faith Choir, a Watch and Prayer Leader and Sunday School Teacher. She was a strong leader and truly loved by her church family. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Julius Joseph Sylvain and Mable Labay Sylvain. She is survived by her husband, Richard C. Little; children: Jeanine Sylvain Parker (Maverick), Jonathan Sylvain and Jennifer Little; by marriage, Kymberly Kemp and Kieron Haynes; siblings: Julius Sylvain, Jr. (Vivian), Barbara Sylvain Bullock, Kenneth Sylvain, Sr. (Audrey), Gayle Sylvain Greenwood (Wesley), Perry Sylvain, Sr. (Georgia), Cynthia Sylvain-Lear, Pastor Christopher Sylvain, Sr. (Cynthia). She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends. Her love for family and friends and her trust in God will be a lasting legacy. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Service at Faith Full Gospel Baptist Church, 3112 Paris Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119 on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 11:00am. Visitation will begin at 10:00am. Interment: Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 4000 Norman Mayer Ave, New Orleans, LA 70122. Arrangement by D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenues, New Orleans, LA. 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.