When Gail and John Little moved to Lake Jeanette in June 2019, the decision was a practical one. They were coming from Eastern North Carolina and looking for better educational opportunities for their children, Anna and Luke. What they found was a neighborhood that supported that goal—and added more than they expected.

“It offered what we needed for our family,” Gail says. “Good schools, an active community, and a place where people are involved.”

Over time, those qualities have shaped their daily routines and strengthened their ties to the area. The connection deepened further in 2021 when Gail’s parents, Harry and Diane Berry, moved to Lake Jeanette as well, making the neighborhood feel even more rooted for their family.

Shared Foundations

Gail and John met at Appalachian State University while working in the Map Library, an early overlap between Gail’s path toward teaching and John’s focus on computer programming and geography.

Gail went on to teach elementary school in several North Carolina counties before stepping away from the classroom to focus on her family. Her involvement in education continues through her work on the Board of Trustees at Noble Academy, along with her previous role as Parent Faculty Association President.

John built his career in technology, eventually starting his own IT consulting and software company. His work focuses on helping municipalities manage utility infrastructure and public works operations.

“It’s very practical work,” he says. “We’re helping cities run systems people rely on every day.”

Keeping Pace

The family’s schedule reflects a balance of school, sports, and individual interests.

Luke, a ninth grader at Wesleyan Christian Academy, plays soccer for both his school’s JV team and the Fusion Classic Gold team. He also spent five years swimming with the Lake Jeanette Swim Team. Outside of organized sports, he spends time playing pickleball with friends, fishing, gaming, and snowboarding when he can.

Anna, now a senior at New Garden Friends School, has shifted her focus toward photography after three years on the volleyball team. She earned second place in her school’s art show and has begun taking on paid photography work, shooting events and portraits. She also works at a boba tea shop in Greensboro.

This fall, she will attend Ohio University to study marketing.

“She’s put a lot of time into developing her skills,” Gail says. “It’s been good to see her take ownership of that.”

Involved and Invested

Community involvement is a consistent thread for the family. Gail’s work with Noble Academy keeps her connected to local education, while Anna has volunteered as a photographer for Freedom House events as part of her senior capstone. Luke has contributed through Backpack Beginnings and by helping at school concession events.

At home, time together tends to be simple and consistent. Evenings often include time outside, a walk with Socks—the family’s Mini Bernedoodle—or a match on the tennis courts, where both Gail and John play regularly.

John also pursues mountaineering, with recent climbs including Mt. Rainier and Cerro Aconcagua. He is preparing for a Denali expedition later this year.

Still, it’s the day-to-day rhythm of the neighborhood that stands out most.

“We like that there’s always something going on, but it’s still easy to stay connected,” Gail says. “It works well for our family.”

Family Favorites
Restaurants: Taco Mama, Print Works, Epic Chophouse
Vacation Destination: Munich, Germany and Switzerland (upcoming)
Activities: Tennis, soccer, photography, mountaineering, time at the lake