Ruth Singleton Orr

Ruth Singleton Orr, age 93, passed away December 12, 2012. She was born May 30, 1919 near Adamsville, Tennessee and was predeceased by her husband, John L. Orr, in 1997, her parents Clydus and Virgie Irons Singleton, her sister Clyde Singleton White, her brothers Paul Singleton, T. F. Singleton, Aaron Singleton, Elvis Singleton and Carlon Singleton. She graduated from Adamsville High School and the following year completed Draughon's Business School in Nashville, afterwhich she worked for Dr. George Elam. She and John were married in 1945 prior to their move to Memphis where Ruth continued in the dental field for 29 years. During this time she worked for Dr. Harlan Gates and Dr. E. H. Sigman, Jr. as a dental assistant. Ruth was an active member of Colonial Baptist Church and in the Women's Sunday School Class. She enjoyed ministering to the needs of fellow members, neighbors and friends. She is survived by two nieces who were her caregivers: Judy White Berry and husband Joe and Barbara Boling Pendergrast, nine additional nieces, eight nephews, and several great-nieces and nephews. Ruth is also survived by her and John's “adopted son”, Jim Wheatley, and his wife Doris who cared for her. The family is appreciative to the staffs at Rose Terrace and Bright Glade for the the care they gave Ruth during her illness; to the staff and members of Colonial Baptist Church, her many friends and neighbors and to her long time physician Dr. James Ensor. Services will be 11 a.m. Monday, December 17 at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, Poplar Avenue, with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the service at 11 a.m. Memorials may be given to Colonial Baptist Church, 1503 Colonial Road, Memphis, TN 38117 or to the charity of the donor's choice . Online condolences may be made by visiting www.memphisfuneralhome. net. Memphis Funeral Home And Memorial Gardens 5599 Poplar Ave. (901)725-0