Winelle Orr

Winelle Peel Orr, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, wife, and friend to many, stepped peacefully into Jesus’ arms at home on December 10, 2024 in Sherwood, Arkansas. Winelle was born on April 22, 1938 in Gunnison, Mississippi to Rush and Ruth Peel. Winelle was the second child, and to this day, is the cherished “baby sister” of Edna Cobb. Winelle grew up in Cleveland, Mississippi in a loving Christ-centered family. 

Creativity was always encouraged and nurtured in Winelle’s family. Their home was always filled with music. Winelle loved playing the piano. She received a music scholarship to attend Mississippi College for Women. She shared her talent and love for music by serving as a church pianist and as a piano teacher to countless students over the years. 

Winelle’s commitment to the arts extended beyond teaching; she served as President of the Memphis Ballet Guild where she championed local artists and fostered appreciation for dance among community members. 

Family was everything to Winelle and she cherished every get together. She adored spending time with her children: Lisa West (Royce), Lesley Taylor (Matt), Stephanie Gray; and grandchildren: Lindsey Jackson, Kyle West (Jen), Lacey West, Austin Lang, Grace Lang (John), Madison Westbrook (Brandon), Mei-Mei Gray, Reece Taylor – and all of her great-grandchildren who brought immense joy into her life. Each child had a special place in Winelle’s heart. 

Winelle is preceded in death by her loving husband of 40 years, Joe Orr, her beloved son, Phil Lang (Harriet), her parents, Ruth and Rush Peel, and granddaughter Katie Gray. 

Services will be held on Sunday, December 15th at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Avenue Memphis, Tennessee. Visitation at 1 PM and service to follow at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be made in Winelle’s honor to her favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Hospital. 

The family would like to thank Smith Funeral Home in Sherwood, Arkansas and Memorial Park Funeral Home in Memphis, Tennessee for their care and kindness.