JoEllyn Orr

JoEllyn Hicks Orr, 98, of Claremore, OK passed peacefully away on October 22, 2025, at Emerald Memory Care of Claremore, OK.

JoEllyn was born February 18, 1927, in Clever, MO, the daughter of Clarence Ellis (C.E.) and Augusta Alice (Gussie) Butcher Hicks. She grew up in Springfield, MO, and graduated from Central High School. JoEllyn married Robert Jo Orr on August 12, 1946, in Berryville, AR.

JoEllyn worked in a number of jobs through the years but excelled in what became a successful career in real estate. She and her husband Bob were both realtors for many years in Springfield MO and later in Branson, MO. They lived also in Louisiana, Florida and eventually retired in Oklahoma.

JoEllyn was an accomplished horsewoman, and even in her latter years when her memory was challenged, she remembered many of her horses, and loved to talk of how her father had taught her to ride as a young girl.

JoEllyn was a member of First Christian Presbyterian Church in Pryor, OK where she attended until she was no longer able. She enjoyed serving there as a deacon and treasured the many relationships that she formed while there.

Jo loved her family and loved to serve them. She adored her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved cooking and being outdoors. Planning picnics with family was a favorite activity. She was fun, generous and was a caring parent and grandparent.

Remaining to cherish JoEllyn are her children, Cynthia Head (Ray) of Greenville, SC, Robert Orr, Jr. of Springfield, MO, and Susan Stromlund (Allan) of Travelers Rest, SC; Grandchildren Jeremy Orr, Chris Stromlund, Brian Stromlund, and Bradley Orr; Great Grandchildren, Kelsey Orr, Matthew Stromlund, Olivia Stromlund Case, Ellie Stromlund, and Jacob Stromlund.

Preceding JoEllyn in death are husband Robert Orr, Sr., daughter-in-law Mary Oliver Orr, great-grandson, John Orr, and parents, C.E. Hicks and Gussie Butcher Hicks.

The family wishes to express gratitude to staff of Emerald Memory Care and to Emerald Hospice for the outstanding compassionate care that JoEllyn has received over the past few years. We are deeply grateful.

Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery in Pryor OK. Family will be having private time honoring JoEllyn’s memory.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Foundation of America. Visit https://hospicefoundation.org/donate to donate online or print a donation form and mail with a check payable to HFA at: Hospice Foundation of America 1707 L St. NW, Suite 220 Washington, DC 20036