Sarah Elizabeth Rhodes Orr

Sarah Elizabeth Rhodes Orr, 77, peacefully passed away in her home surrounded by her family on May 6, 2023. She was born on August 2, 1945 to John Busby and Thelma Potter Rhodes. She was the sister of John (Barbara) Rhodes and aunt to Virginia King and Buddy Rhodes. For 54 years, she was a devoted and loving wife to Samuel V. Orr Jr. Sarah married her sweetheart on her 24th birthday on August 2, 1969. Her extended siblings included Edwin K, Orr (Annette); Claire Bayer; Mary Wilson; Melissa Byrd Orr.

Sarah Rhodes Orr was a lifelong resident of North Little Rock, Arkansas. Her family fondly referred to her as “Sis”. Her childhood home where she grew up was built by her father. Sarah graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1963. She was a standout athlete among church and community leagues where she played softball, golf, tennis, basketball, and skeet shooting. Because she had planned to be a nurse, she served as a candy striper at a local hospital, but her experience as an active member of the student government association and participation in Arkansas Girls State, an immersion program in civic education led to her future as a civics educator. 

Sarah was a 1967 graduate of Little Rock University (now University of Arkansas at Little Rock), where she received a Bachelor of Science in Education. Through her leadership role on the student council, she worked with her peers and college administrators on the civil rights integration of Little Rock University. Sarah was also the chapter president of her sorority Delta Delta Delta.

Sarah was an educator for over forty years. After graduating college, she began her teaching career at the Training School for the Girls in Alexander, Arkansas. A couple years later, she was invited to join the teaching community at Fabens School District where she led the women’s volleyball team to the Texas state championship. She spent most of her career at Fuller Junior High School and Fuller High School in Pulaski County Special School District where she taught Geography, World History, and Civics while she continued to coach and teach physical education. She worked with homebound children who were vulnerable and at-risk. Her passion was working with middle school children who were defining their future selves.

Growing up, she was active in the Garden Memorial Methodist church and remained a spiritual woman after she converted to Catholicism. She walked confidently in her faith and extended kindness through her acts of good deeds. Sarah was a caregiver and a helper to many. Those who knew her never heard her complain.

One of the most delightful times in her life was early in her marriage when Sarah and Sam lived on the Orr Farm in Fabens, Texas. She enjoyed spending time among the ranch animals, particularly riding horses and caring for baby goats. She adopted two pet goats that she carried around with her in her red Volkswagen bug and lovingly referred to them as her “kids.”

Sarah eagerly anticipated motherhood, and she and Sam joyfully welcomed Susan Amanda into the world just after Sarah’s 30th birthday. Sarah’s mother often joked with her about the light-hearted nature of Sarah’s relationship when Susan was a child. Thelma would say to Sarah, “You’re playing with her – not raising her.” Sarah deeply loved her daughter. Sarah and Susan remained best friends throughout Susan’s adulthood. Sarah was a second mother and model of motherhood to most of Susan’s lifelong friends.

Sarah retired from teaching in 2008 when her granddaughter, Ava Elizabeth, was born. Ava was the light of Sarah’s life. When Ava was little, Sarah spent time teaching Ava to garden and raise chickens. They spent time together reading, cooking, fishing, and tending their vegetable garden. Ava fondly remembers trips to the art stores and bookstores with her grandmother. Sarah’s legacy as an intellectual will live on through her granddaughter.

Sarah will be best remembered by her fun personality, her smile that made you feel light and love, and her thoughtful, caring nature. The family welcomes her friends to join them at a celebration of Sarah’s life that will be held on Monday, May 15 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Cypress Social, 7103 Cock of the Walk Lane, North Little Rock, AR 72113. In lieu of flowers, please contact a local elementary school and pay off lunch balances for children from struggling families or make donations to Arkansas Children’s Hospital at https://support.archildrens.org