Willie Mae Orr-Young

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Willie Mae Orr-Young was born Nov. 20, 1940, in Luxora to Jasper and Mattie Sanders Orr. She professed a hope in Christ at an early age and was of the Baptist faith, later joining True Light Missionary Church under the leadership of Reverend Jay Slaughter.

Willie Mae loved her family and family gatherings dearly. She enjoyed fishing, cooking, dancing, playing spades and dominos and helping others. She was employed by the Prevallet family for many years, as well as being a business owner. Willie Mae was the owner of the famous soul food diner, Mae’s Grill.

Willie Mae was preceded in death by her parents; the love of her life, her husband, Ozell Young; siblings, Frankie Orr, Chris Orr, Cora Mae Joe, Erma Jean Jones, Catherine Taylor, Patsy Hudson, and Sylvester Orr; and a great grandson, Durrell Rogers, Jr. On Monday, Nov. 23, 2020, while surrounded by her loving family, Willie Mae said “Goodbye” to her earthly home and “Hello” to her new home in eternity at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro at the age of 80.

She leaves to forever cherish all of the memories one son, Eddie Dixon of England, Ark.; three daughters, Rosetta Dixon, Guivenia (Charles) Davis, and Patricia “Tootie” Wise, all of Blytheville; five grandchildren, Shuntunna, Quinshetta, Vaquinna, ZaJuan and Phadacia; eight great- grandchildren, Keyshawn, Imani, Khyleigh, Maloni, Ashunti and Zhylijah; four brothers, Fred (Gwendolyn) Orr, Leo Orr, and Eddie Orr all of Blytheville; and Leon (Fran) Orr of Tulsa, Okla.; a special brother-in-law, LC Kelly of Blytheville; her loving pet, Chance; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

A walk-through visitation will be held Saturday Nov. 28, from 5-7 p.m. at McDonald–Horne Funeral Home, 1207 South Division, Blytheville. Face masks are required to enter the building and to be worn at all times.

Private funeral services will be conducted Sunday, Nov. 29, at 2 p.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church, 600 East McHaney Street, Blytheville. Reverend Odale Jones is the pastor. Reverend Jay E. Slaughter will deliver the eulogy with burial at Sandy Ridge Cemetery in Burdette.

McDonald-Horne Funeral Home is in charge of all services and arrangements.

Following the State of Arkansas COVID-19 guidelines, no more than 150 people will be allowed to gather inside of First Baptist Church and practice social distancing, keeping a 6-foot distance between one another. Face masks are required to enter the building and to be worn at all times.