Carolyn Louise Orr

My sister, Carolyn Louise Keesee Orr died at home Wednesday, November 6, 2024, after a brief stay in Kennestone hospital. She is survived by her husband, Sid Orr, a brother Jesse Michael Keesee (me), a sister Christine Keesee Brooks, and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own children. There will be a graveside ceremony at Georgia National Cemetery from 3:00 to 3:30 PM

Her heart just gave out. I can’t help but believe it’s because she gave so much of it to her first-grade students, family, and friends.

She was born in Commerce, Georgia, December 19.1943. She grew up in the Cabin Creek community where we moved to when she was five. She was a member of Cabin Creek Baptist Church until she and Sid married and moved to Woodstock, Ga. Long-time Baptists, in later life were members of Mountain View Methodist Church in Woodstock. She graduated from Berry College where she worked in the dining hall to earn her tuition and was a member of the Glee Club. She taught first grade at Benton Elementary in Nicholson, GA, for several years before teaching until retirement at Woodstock Elementary. She and Sid have lived at the same Woodstock address for 50 years.

I remember her birth well (as much as a 5-year-old can remember!). Having previously slept in my parent's bedroom, I was banished to the couch in the living room since my separate sleeping accommodations were not yet ready. The Christmas tree was in that room. I worried for five nights that Santa would find me there when he came on Christmas Eve.

If she said anything bad about anyone, I failed to hear it. Never saw her mad (except maybe for the time her husband Sid brought home one too many old trucks to restore). When she was younger, an uncle said he would give a hundred dollars to see her mad just one time.

But I don’t claim my sister was perfect. She had a stubborn streak! When we were younger, she and a couple of her friends were playing close to an old two-horse wagon (bet most of you don’t know what that is!) on which I was working. Precariously balanced on blocks, and having worked hard to get it up there, I issued dire warnings not to play around it. Didn’t do any good. Being only 5 years younger, she didn’t feel the need to always do what her “older” brother dictated. They crashed it! Ooo, was I mad! I threatened to trash her playhouse. But I didn’t. Wanted to, though! At least I scared her!

My sister had a great capacity for love. It was natural for her to become a first-grade teacher. She enjoyed every minute of it. I encouraged her to write a book about what first graders said. Some were hilarious, especially one about the “easel”. Asking the class to stand and face the easel, a little boy stood and faced a picture on the wall. Asked why he wasn’t facing in the direction he was supposed to, he said, “Ms Orr, I am.” She looked to see that he was staring at a picture of an eagle.”

She loved teaching those first-graders. I don’t think she ever saw a child she didn’t love.

Carolyn was a good sister. Despite my shortcomings as a brother, she loved me. My infrequent calls were always greeted with a voice of love. She worried about me, more than I deserved. I miss her!

She had many friends at Cherokee Baptist Church and Mountain View Methodist Church. A Celebration of Life for family and friends from both churches will be held at Mountain View Church, 2300 Jamerson Road, Marietta, GA 30066 at 4:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either church.

I loved my sister. I know you can’t earn your place in heaven, but if anyone could, it would be Carolyn Louise Keesee Orr.