Lyn Harden Orr

Marvilyn (“Lyn”) Harden Orr, 69, died Saturday, November 18, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.  Lyn was born in Tifton, Georgia the daughter of Aileen Grace Harden and Oren Hall Harden, Sr.  Lyn is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Kristine Orr Brown and David Kyle Brown of Atlanta, her son and daughter-in-law Eston Wycliffe Orr, Jr. and Amanda Bauer Orr of Atlanta, three granddaughters Jacqueline Elizabeth Brown, Caroline Lilly Brown and Anne Marie Orr, one grandson William Eston Wycliffe Orr, her sister Mary Booker Wall, brother and sister-in-law Oren Hall (Buddy) Harden, Jr. and Linda Harden, and many loved nieces, nephews and their families.  She was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Eston Wycliffe Orr, Sr. who consistently noted, “Lyn is the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Lyn was raised in Tifton, Georgia where she graduated from Tift County High School, 1966.  Lyn went on to earn a B.S., with high honors, from the University of Tennessee, Phi Kappa Phi and Outstanding Senior in the teacher education program.

Lyn founded and led Gainesville’s beloved gift shop, Surprise!, from 1985 to 1994.  While running Surprise!, Lyn served on the UGA Small Business Development Center Advisory Council.  Lyn subsequently managed operations for the Orr Brown law firms for 15 years, covering a multitude of roles.

Lyn was a 43-year member of Gainesville First United Methodist Church where she served in many leadership positions over the years, including as trustee, and on the finance and outreach committees.  In addition, Lyn served on the Brenau Board of Advisors and as president of the Gainesville-Hall County League of Women Voters, during which time the League received designation as best League in the state of Georgia.  Lyn dedicated many years to the Children’s Center for Hope and Healing, serving as president of the board and receiving a 2011 distinguished service award as “a woman of distinction.”  Lyn was active in the Gainesville-Hall County Junior League. 

A celebration of Lyn’s life will be held Tuesday, November 21, 1:00 PM, at Gainesville First United Methodist Church.  The family will receive friends following the service at the Church.  A private burial will follow at Fletcher Cemetery, Alapaha, Georgia. 

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, Gainesville is in charge of arrangements

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Children’s Center for Hope and Healing, P.O. Box 907401, Gainesville, GA 30501, or Family Promise of Hall County, 1001 Riverside Drive Suite B, Gainesville, GA. 30501.