Lois Glover Orr died peacefully on August 17, 2022. Lois was the glue that held her family together. She had a passion for beauty, kindness and believing the best in others. There was always time in Lois’ life to bend a listening ear, reach out a hand of friendship, or provide her one-of-a-kind Grammy hugs. She never lost her sense of joy and delight in people; a trait that lives on in her family.
Born in Staunton, Virginia to Roger Arthur Glover and Naomi Jane Clem Glover on May 21, 1931, Lois spent her childhood in Craigsville. She loved visiting friends and family including her many Clem and Glover cousins. Lois attended Emory & Henry College where she was a cheerleader and met the love of her life, a football player named William “Bill” King Orr. The two were married on August 8, 1953.
Using her Christian Education degree, Lois served several churches as the director of Christian Education. She happily devoted her time teaching Sunday School, leading bible study, and facilitating youth groups, especially at Fishersville UMC. She often said she never let religion get in the way of her faith. Lois also served as a childhood educator in the public school system. She spoke fondly of her students at Ladd Elementary School and Stuarts Draft Middle School. Her notes from previous students, noting how she had made a positive difference in their lives, were some of her most cherished memories. Lois would often regale her grandchildren with stories of the ways she pushed the educational boundaries; she was a lady in STEM before that even existed!
Lois’ passions in life were her family, friends, and teaching. She was a loving and supportive mother to her four daughters. She instilled in each of her daughters the importance of creativity, independence, and love by allowing them to pursue whatever new adventures sparked their imagination and never discouraging their growth. She was a firm believer in having too much food and not enough chairs to have a good time. It was said Lois never met a stranger and at many meals there was always extra “family” around the table. Her passion for entertaining and family shined brightest at Christmas where Lois would always provide creative, beautiful decorations, lots of cookies, and not an empty room (or plate!) in sight.
Lois was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, her parents, and her brother Roger A. “RA” Glover, Jr. Lois is survived by her daughters and their husbands: Cynthia and Stephen Brookhouse, Merribeth and Danny Neal, Cherry and David Steffen, Penny and Brentley Bowles. She dearly loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and was proud to be their Grammy: Hannah and Kenneth Ellerbee, Luke, Brynna and James Ellerbee; Catherine and William Rhodes, Caroline Rhodes and baby boy on the way, Trey; A. Ross Neal, Genevieve Bowles, Page Bowles and Rachel Steffen. She is also survived by numerous cousins.
The family expresses their sincere thanks to those who were supportive in the months and days leading up to Lois’ death: Linda, Legacy Hospice of the Piedmont, BellAir at Stone Port, and friends from Fishersville UMC.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the graveside on Monday, August 29, 2022 at 11:00 am at Augusta Memorial Park, 1775 Goose Creek Road, Waynesboro, Virginia. In an abundance of caution there will be no indoor service.
Memorial gifts may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association, Special Olympics or an educational institution of your choosing.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes.
Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com
