Mary Taylor Orange

Mary is survived by her son, James C. Orange, Jr. (Jim), Cleveland, TN; sister, Brenda T. Garvin, Mt. Juliet, TN; niece, Cynthia Garvin Sanchez and spouse, Mike Sanchez, San Antonio, TX; nephew, Chris Garvin and spouse, Lana V. Garvin, Bell Buckle, TN; and niece, Cassie Garvin Jones and spouse, David Jones, Lebanon, TN. Other survivors include many great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces.

Mary was a loving wife and mother who enjoyed her family and friends. She either hosted gatherings or was right in the middle of other gatherings, always smiling and laughing and holding children if any were present. She put life into festivity, for she knew the giver of life and was always ready to talk about the Lord. She was talented. Mary always seemed to know how to make the next trending craft, including painting, crocheting, macrame, ceramics, and bow-making. And most of these crafts were either gifts to family and friends or for sale to raise money for missions. She was also a talented cook. Perhaps her dishes were so tasty because of her special ingredients, joy and love.

Mary worked for the state of TN in General Services for almost 40 years. In the last few years of her life, she was over Shepherding Ministries at her local church. She made sure everyone, including the pastor, received an encouraging note or a phone call, and lots of prayer. Mary Orange truly had a servant’s heart.

Our hearts are saddened that Mary is no longer with us. She will be remembered by all who knew her as a beautiful and faithful woman of God. She was a member of Zion Assembly Church of God in Cleveland, TN. Her family and her church family will miss hearing her voice and her powerfully anointed prayers. She was truly a light for Christ. She has endured to the end as a good and faithful soldier of Jesus Christ and has now received her eternal reward.