Bessie Adell Wright Orange
Oct. 18, 1926 – Jan. 6, 2020
Bessie Adell Wright Orange, 93, of Richmond died peacefully at home surrounded by her family January 6, 2020.
She was the widow of the late Willard M. Orange. Survivors include her two daughters, Stephanie Renfro (Chuck) and Donna Orange (Gary); and two grandsons, Jeremy Renfro (Valerie) and Stephen Renfro.
The family will receive friends beginning at 10:30 am Friday, January 10 with a funeral service to follow at Noon at Affinity Funeral Service – Mechanicsville Chapel, 8074 Mechanicsville Tnpk, Mechanicsville, VA 23111.
Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
Mama’s Eulogy
Bessie Adell Wright Orange was born October 18, 1926 to Sally and Robert Wright. She grew up on a farm in rural Cumberland County, Virginia, the youngest of six children. Once she moved to Richmond, she married Willard Orange and they became the proud parents of two daughters. Her and the girls lost their husband and father in 1977. She continued to live independently in the same home until her passing on January 6, 2020.
She loved sewing, making drapes and her daughters cloths. She was an avid gardener taking care of her yard and flower beds well into her 80’s. Inside, her window sills thrived with African violets which she was so proud of. She could bring back to life most any plant someone brought her that was on its last leg. When she was able to take care of her yard, it looked like a botanical garden and people would slow down as they drove by to admire her yard especially the colorful azaleas and other flowers. She always took great pride in everything she did.
She was part of the generation that recycled before it was known as recycling. She reused or found a new use for most everything. Some people may call that hoarding.
She loved to cook and send food home to her family, neighbors and friends. While she was able, she insisted on having Thanksgiving, Christmas & Easter dinners at her home. The menu consisted of country ham, regular ham, turkey, dressing, kale, green beans, lima beans, mashed potatoes & gravy, mac & cheese, sweet potato casserole, baked apples, toss salad, hot rolls, topped off with five to seven pies and cakes. She always made sure there was something on the table that everyone liked to eat. She also made sure the two son-in-laws had black-eyed peas for New Year’s.
She enjoyed her vacations with Stephanie’s family at Nags Head where she got to go fishing. As most of us have seen on TV when they ask someone, “Now, what are you going to do?” and they say “I’m going to Disney World”. Well, she got to go to Disney World with her grandsons and took her first plane ride.
She loved her grandsons and was always there to take care of them when needed. The boys could always count on a small gift or treat with each visit.
I have told you a bit about Bessie Adell’s independence, now I would like to tell you a bit about her strength and fight. She survived lung cancer way back in the 80’s. She was the proud owner of a Breast Cancer Survivor certificate. Her last battle was with Stage 4 liver cancer which she fought to the end.
At most funerals people probably wonder where was the deceased in their faith, what did they believe in. Adell took her children to church as they grew up and in her later years watched church service on TV on Sundays. During her terminal illness the Lord was at her side and shared with her his love, peace and grace.
She was blessed by having two daughters that loved her and were always there for her. They will surely miss her.
Such a short time to talk about a life that lasted 93 years. She outlived most everyone. We want to thank all the friends and family that wanted to show the family your love and support. We thank you all more than you can know.