Rose Lee Orr

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." II Timothy 4:7-8

A beautiful life has come to an end. In our hearts, a memory will always be kept of one we loved and will never forget. Remember the best times, the laughter, and all the joy I brought to each of your lives. Don’t forget the good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage and all our traditions, no matter how small. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease and my soul is at rest. When the tears start to flow, remember how I truly was blessed to live in this world for eighty-nine years. Go on with your life, don't worry about falls. I’ll miss you all dearly, so trust in the Lord until the day comes when we're together again.

On April 4, 1934, in Hampton County, South Carolina, God gave Paul Singleton, Sr., and Florence Jordon Singleton a beautiful and perfect angel that they named “Rose Lee”. He created an individual who symbolized the “Fruit of the Spirit”:  love, joy, patience, kindness, gentleness, generosity, peace, and faithfulness. She added so much beauty to God’s world and to her family.

Rose Lee was educated at Lawton Bay School.  At a young age, Rose Lee became a member of Second Thankful Baptist Church in Pineland, South Carolina, where she served faithfully until her health began to fail. She loved going to church and fellowshipping with her church family. Rose Lee was joined in holy matrimony to the late Thomas Orr, Sr., and from this union, God blessed them with six children.

Thomas married Rose Lee Singleton on March 15, 1953. They lived in Pineland, South Carolina, until moving to New York in December 1953 for a short time. During their beloved marriage, Thomas and Rose Lee had six beautiful children: Johnny Lee, Thomas Jr., Florence Robin, Gerard, Eric, and Vanessa. In January 1954, Thomas and Rose moved to Elizabeth, New Jersey, where several of Rose Lee’s family joined them in relocating to New Jersey. This is where they remained and raised their family until they retired. Rose served as Assistant Worthy Matron of Guiding Light Chapter 41, Elizabeth, New Jersey. While residing in Elizabeth, New Jersey, she was a faithful member of Liberty Baptist Church. She also served as treasurer of the Liberty Baptist Church Senior Choir.   After retiring, they wanted more peace and tranquility, so they relocated back to their hometown in Pineland, South Carolina, in 1999.

There are so many words to describe Rose Lee. She was a beautiful and amazing individual that enjoyed making others happy. She loved to cook. Nobody could cook collard greens, pig feet, gravy, rice, and macaroni and make it taste like Rose Lee. She loved her sister and brother immensely especially her baby brother Paul Jr.

God’s plans are not always our plans, and God sent for his angel on July 6, 2023. This was much sooner than the family planned; however, we will be brave through our grief. Waiting to welcome Rose Lee to her heavenly home are: her husband; Thomas Orr, Sr.; parents, Paul Singleton, Sr., and Florence Jordon Singleton; sons, Johnny Orr, Thomas R. Orr, Jr., and Eric Orr; brother, Charlie Singleton; sister, Lottie Major; brothers-in-law, Larry Cohen and Marion Orr.

In her transitioning, Rose Lee leaves to cherish her precious memories: daughters, Florence Robin Jones and Vanessa Orr; son, Gerard Orr; ten grandchildren; sisters, Earlean (Edward) Williams, Johnnie Mae (Richard) Lewis, and Dina (Larry) Robinson; brother, Deacon Paul (Marie) Singleton;  sister-in-law, Evangelist Patricia Cohen; brother-in-law, Kernell (Jackie) Cohen; God daughter, Cheryl (Freeman) Wakia Cotton; God son, Allen Singleton; and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, many extended family members, friends and her Second Thankful Baptist Church family.

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