Submitted by: Dan Rich

Wilhelmina Orr

Nov. 25, 1936 - Aug. 1, 2008

South Bend Tribune 8/7/2008
SOUTH BEND - Wilhelmina "Mina" Orr, 71, peacefully went to sleep in death after a long illness on Friday, August 1st, in the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend. Wilhelmina was born to Bessie Moody and James Johnson on November 25, 1936, in Chicago, IL. Her young school years were spent at Corlis Elementary School. Later her mother and stepfather, Samuel Lee Johnson, moved the family to Gary, IN, where she graduated from Roosevelt High School. Her mother and father predeceased her. Wilhelmina shared family life with five sisters, Dorothy Clayborn and Lee Thelma Jones from Tennessee, Brenda Burks in South Bend and two sisters, Vivian Montgomery and Earlene Johnson, who predeceased her. Four brothers are James Washington Johnson, Walter Fred Johnson, Warren Johnson and Curtis Ruby Johnson, each residing in Dayton, OH. In 1959 Wilhelmina dedicated her life to Almighty God, Jehovah, and symbolized it with water baptism.

While attending a 1961 convention of Jehovah's Witnesses in Gary, IN, Lawrence Wicker introduced himself and asked to court Mina. They were married later that year. Lawrence was a barber and owned the Wicker Barber Shop in South Bend. He encouraged Mina to go to barber school so she could join him in his business. She did, and following graduation they worked closely until his death in 1968. In 1970 she met and fell deeply in love with Alcurtis Orr, who shared her beliefs and worship. As she often said, "He was the most handsome man I ever saw." They married May 30, 1970. During their 38 years of marriage Wilhelmina became a master barber opening the Orr Barber Shop and working at the Patch Shop. She worked some 40 years in the business. Her clients knew when they sat in her chair they would receive a sharp hair cut and a loving message from the Bible. Family and friends fondly remember Mina's zest for life and her many talents such as dancing, party planning, roller skating, traveling, selling Mary Kay, and watching sports. She was an excellent cook, played the piano, and always dressed as the classy lady she was. Above all her activities, however, Mina was cherished for her deep love and dedication to her God, Jehovah, his son, Christ Jesus, and God's Word, the Bible. It was because of this love that she took every opportunity to share the "Good News" of God's Kingdom. Deeply missing Wilhelmina is her cherished husband, Alcurtis Orr of South Bend, and their children: four daughters, three sons, 21 grandchildren and eight grandchildren. They are daughter, Carol Ervin, with sons, Julius and Ryan; daughter, Jerry Riley (George), with children, Raquel, and her children, Wueloni and Equel, Adrienne, Nevin and Sean; son, Daryl Carson (Yolanda), with children, Venetta, Tonesha and Jerilyn; son, Alzurone (Hazel) Orr, with son, Julian Butler-Orr, and his children, Mikayla and Janae; daughter, Torie (Dwayne) Moore, with sons, Landon and Dominique; son, Lawrence Wicker Jr., with his children, Shalece, and her two daughters, Elsie and Erian, Lawrence III, DeAngelo, Demario and Deshawn; a daughter, Elayne Scott (Curtis), with their children, Brittaney, and her two children, Brejanae and Bryce, Rick, Curtis Jr. and Tiffaney. Several nieces, nephews and cousins loved Mina and will miss her dearly. A host of spiritual brothers, sisters and friends will miss her as well. The family extends much appreciation to the many friends who assisted in caring for Wilhelmina and providing for her arrangements.