Mabel French Orr

Saltville, VA

Mabel French Orr, age 99, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Johnston Memorial Hospital.

Born in West Virginia on March 17, 1926, she lived a life centered on love, family, faith, and community. A devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother she treasured every moment spent with those she held dear. She was known for her warm spirit and outgoing nature — she truly never met a stranger.

An avid sports fan, she especially enjoyed following local teams and could often be found cheering on the Rich Valley Steers. She loved watching NASCAR and football, and she had a special admiration for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers women's basketball team, particularly legendary coach Pat Summit. She worked for many years at Singleton's Department Store in Saltville, where she formed lasting friendships with customers and coworkers alike. She also cherished traveling with her family, making memories across the United States and even into Canada. Whether on the road with loved ones or enjoying a motorcycle ride with her sons, she embraced life with joy and a sense of adventure that never faded.

In her later years, she still enjoyed watching sports, but also found great happiness in quilting, sewing, and cross-stitching. She was a proud member of the Busy B Quilters at the First Church of God in Broadford, where she shared both her talents and her friendship. A Christian woman of deep and steady faith, she was also a longtime member of Roberts Chapel Methodist Church.

Mabel was preceded in death by her husband, Archie Orr; her Father and Mother, Thomas G. French and Docie French; her sisters, Ida Mae Taylor and husband Ike, Pauline Minton and husband Jack and Betty Huffaker and husband Jake; her brothers, Rev George French and wife Irene, Rev Kyle French and wife Elizabeth, Rev. Maynard French and wife Evelyn and Eugene French and wife Ruby and Billy French; her brothers-in-law, David Allison and Henry Kinder; her daughter-in-law, Jody Olinger Orr; and her great grandson, Derek Cabel.

Mabel is survived by her sons, Archie Wayne Orr and wife Dorothy, Ronald Orr and wife Janice and Larry Orr; her sisters, Kathleen Allison and Sue Kinder; her brother, Harold French and wife Sally; her granddaughters, Tami Hayden and Vicki Peters and husband Brian; her grandson, Aaron Orr; her step-grandson and  step-granddaughters, Rick Sutherland and Tammy Galliher, Stacey Neece and husband Dewey, and Sheena Henderson and husband Matt; her great-grandsons, Justin Orr and wife Brooke, Jordan Hayden, Shane Hayden, Matt Peters, Dru Peters Alex Peters, Brodie Henderson, and  Axl Henderson; great-granddaughters, Lexi Kimberlin and husband Ethan, Lacey Crusenberry, and Joshlyn Henderson  her great-great grandsons, Jaxson Orr, Derek Orr, Maddox Galliher, Lyric Peake and Kase Orr; her great-great granddaughter, Addi Peters. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews including Debbie Stretcher and husband Bob who she considered a daughter. She is also survived by and was the matriarch of her extended family "Mi Familia" from South Carolina, and her adopted son, Jeff Moore of Georgia.

The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the 3200 block of Johnston Memorial Hospital for their care for Mabel during her stay there. All the doctors, nurses, nurses' aides and other staff personnel are to be commended for their efforts. Their courtesy, professionalism and sympathetic care was greatly appreciated during this difficult time. They treated Mabel like one of their own, which made this journey much easier to deal with.

The family will receive friends Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Henderson Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. with Pastor Donny Bailey officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Church Cemetery, Rich Valley, VA.

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mabel French Orr.