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Celebrating the life of

Lillian Cecile Orrel

March 03, 1922 - August 12, 2009

Lillian Cecile Orrel

Savannah- Lillian Cecile Nieuwstraten Orrel, 87, passed peacefully Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at her home of 67 years on Whitemarsh Island.

Lillian was born March 3, 1922 in Savannah to George Leonard Nieuwstraten and Lillian Cecile Stall Nieuwstraten. After her mother's death in 1927, her beloved father placed her in the care of the Episcopal Home for Girls. Lillian frequently spoke fondly of her years in the home and cherished her father's involvement in her life. She married Marvin Cooper Orrel, Sr. on December 31, 1937 in Ridgeland, SC.

She will be remembered for her love, devotion and loyalty to her family and her kind-hearted demeanor. She loved to learn and always pursued her quest for knowledge. She instilled her passion for nature in her children and grandchildren. She was an excellent cook and had a deep love for music and poetry. Her wide variety of interests included arts and crafts, world events and gardening. She was truly a unique person. She always had, and will always have, a very strong positive influence on those who loved her. Her eldest son summed it up by "As mothers go, she was the queen of queens". She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Lillian was a member of the Whitemarsh Island Garden Club and the Shriners' Ladies Auxiliary. She was predeceased by her husband, Marvin in 1988; brother, George Leonard Nieuwstraten, Jr. in 2000 and half sister Margaret Ann Williams in 2002.

Lillian is survived by her children, Mayme Stormes "Stormsie" Orrel Homer Jenkins, Jeanette Leavy "Tiger" Orrel Stiles, Marvin Cooper "Cookie" Penny Orrel, Jr., Vivian Cecile Orrel-Ryals Jerome Ryals, Donna Machelle "Mindy" Orrel Orville Lamaak, Charles Leonard Orrel Kathy Taylor and Marion Russell Orrel; 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; sister, Jeanette Sam Cooper and sister-in-law, Jewel Fritts Nieuwstraten.

Graveside Service: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 15, 2009 at Hillcrest Abbey Memorial Park with Reverend Doug Westfall officiating.

Remembrances may be made to Bethesda Home for Boys, 9520 Ferguson Ave., Savannah, GA 31406.

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GUEST BOOK

So very, very saddened to come across the news of your loss. Mrs. Orell has always been remembered in my heart....Although it had been many, many years since I had seen or spoken to her, she was frequently in my thoughts. As a a young girl, I was indelibly impressed by her strength as a woman, wife and mother. She was intelligent, personable, classy, kind and respectful...always...without fail. I had and forever will admire the relationship she had with her son, my friend, Charles. May Peace be with you always....My deepest sympathies, Gina

- Gina M. Bird, Chelsea, AL

Mom, what more is there to say? You did it all.By that I mean that you always set the most outstanding and positive example of any one I have ever known. At times I did not understand the total power and grace of your forgiving nature.Now I see what it all meant.To love and forgive and understand everyones actions made you such an angel on earth.Your unbridaled passion for life and willingness to share and enjoy all those things we find beautiful in the world will never be duplicated.You were self made in your glory. Never needing a stage or accolades for all you did for all of us. My hat will forever be off to you. I mean I have really looked around and have seen no more like you.These words of love don't really express my deep respect and gatitude for you but I can say you will be loved forever.You are truly missed by all.I love you mom. Your son,Charlie. 4-12-11.

- Charlie Orrel, Garden City, GA

ANN AND I WERE SO SORRY TO HERE OF LILLIANS PASSING. SHE HAS MEANT SO MUCH IN MY LIFE GROWING UP WITH HER AS A SECOND MOTHER AND ROLE MODEL FOR ME. ALL OF US BOYS ENJOYED THE VISITS TO THERE HOUSE TO PLAY WITH STORMSIE,TIGER,COOKIE AND VIVIAN. OUR FAMILIES WERE SO CLOSE.LILLIAN WAS ONE OF A KIND AND MY LIFE HAS BEEN BLESSED KNOWING HER. GOD BLESS THE FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF GREIF. CARL AND ANN WOMBLE

- LEONARD CARL WOMBLE, HAMPTON, SC

To The Orrel Family, I want to express my deepest sympathy with the lost of your Mother. I know that with the help of the good Lord you all will get through this sad time. Mrs. Orrel was a beautiful person. Know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Martha Scarboro

- Martha Scarboro, Savannah, GA

I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Orrel at a dinner party given for her daughter, Tiger. I was immediately struck by her grace and what a beautiful lady she was. It was obvious that her family was very special to her. I have heard many nice things about her from both friends and family. Our heart felt sympathy to the entire family. We will keep you in our prayers. Brenda & Suitcase

- Brenda & Robert Simpson, Tybee Island, GA

I was sorry to read about the passing of your mother. I remember her as a fine lady. My sincere condolences, Walter C. 'Sonny' Coward, Jr.

- W. C., Savannah, GA

Vivian, I was so sorry to hear about your Mom passing away. I know she was very special to you. I'm sure that she treasured your extremely devoted & kind care that you brought to her. We all admired your devotion. God Bless your family, Diane

- Diane Rummel, Pooler, GA

SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO LOOSE YOUR MOTHER. IF I CAN DO ANYTHING LET ME KNOW. THINKING OF YOU IN MY PRAYERS RITA

- RITA ELMORE, SAVANNAH, GA

LILLIAN ORREL WAS ONE OF THE MOST GIVING PEOPLE I HAVE EVER KNOWN.SHE ALSO WAS A VERY BEAUTIFUL WOMEN IN HER DAYS AS MY MOTHER WAS. THE FREINDSHIP I HAVE SHARED WITH THE THE FAMILY FROM MY CHILDHOOD WILL ALWAYS BE VERY SPECIAL TO ME AS LONG AS I LIVE. STORMSIE,TIGER,COOKIE AND VIVIAN YOU HAVE BEEN BLESSED TO HAVE HAD A MOTHER LIKE LILLIAN.GOD BLESS YOU ALL IN YOUR LOST OF YOR MOTHER.

- GEORGE RONNIE WOMLE, COLUMBIA, SC

We are extremely sorry for the loss of your mother. We have heard so many wonderful things about her from Charlie. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. If we can do anything to help, please let us know.

- L.E. & Trever Wells, Kim, and Jill at Clarke's Block Co., Savannah, GA

Some of my fond memories of Lillian and her family -- Her beautiful blonde hair, her great shrimp salad, and her patience with everyone & her understanding heart. Her hospitality when we boys would visit during the summer & her fish tank with the seahorse. The small corner stairs in the old house and the smudge pots on the dock to keep away the mosquitoes and the horse flies. The first time I swan across the creek & the chickens & bantam rooster on the creek bank. And most of all, the love shown to my family by Lillian & Marvin and their children as we were growing up. I will always remember with love & appreciation my times with Lillian and the Orrel family.

- Herbie Womble, North Augusta, SC

Sorry to hear of your loss. Truly a very special person.

- Frank H. Grimm, Richmond Hill, Ga, GA

Lillian was a very sweet woman. I had spoke with her several times and met her once when she lost her 1/2 sister Margaret. She was a very great and special lady. I really liked her. I know she will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time of loss. My heart goes out to you as I know what it is like to lose a very special person that means the world to you. Donna WilliamsWife of Gerrit Williams

- Donna Williams, Sasser, GA

Sorry to hear of your loss Tiger, please accept the condolences of an old friend. John Hahn

- John Hahn, Smyrna, TN

Dear Vivian, I share in your sadness in the loss of your Mother. I wish that I could help ease your broken heart. Please contact me anytime. With Love, xo

- Carol Hammock Williamson, Savannah, GA

Lillian, you were very special to my Mom and Dad, and I pray that you have been reunited with them and your loving husband. All of the Womble Family will cherish the loving memories with you and your family. We were so closely connected for many years and then drifted apart - but you never were far away in our thoughts. You will always be beautiful in our eyes - in spirit and in deeds. To the family, please know that we share your loss. Our parents had a special friendship, and we will miss having them in our lives. May they all be at peace.

- Lynn Womble Buchman, Hilton Head Island, SC

So very, very saddened to come across the news of your loss. Mrs. Orell has always been remembered in my heart....Although it had been many, many years since I had seen or spoken to her, she was frequently in my thoughts. As a a young girl, I was indelibly impressed by her strength as a woman, wife and mother. She was intelligent, personable, classy, kind and respectful...always...without fail. I had and forever will admire the relationship she had with her son, my friend, Charles. May Peace be with you always....My deepest sympathies, Gina

- Gina M. Bird, Chelsea, AL

Mom, what more is there to say? You did it all.By that I mean that you always set the most outstanding and positive example of any one I have ever known. At times I did not understand the total power and grace of your forgiving nature.Now I see what it all meant.To love and forgive and understand everyones actions made you such an angel on earth.Your unbridaled passion for life and willingness to share and enjoy all those things we find beautiful in the world will never be duplicated.You were self made in your glory. Never needing a stage or accolades for all you did for all of us. My hat will forever be off to you. I mean I have really looked around and have seen no more like you.These words of love don't really express my deep respect and gatitude for you but I can say you will be loved forever.You are truly missed by all.I love you mom. Your son,Charlie. 4-12-11.

- Charlie Orrel, Garden City, GA

ANN AND I WERE SO SORRY TO HERE OF LILLIANS PASSING. SHE HAS MEANT SO MUCH IN MY LIFE GROWING UP WITH HER AS A SECOND MOTHER AND ROLE MODEL FOR ME. ALL OF US BOYS ENJOYED THE VISITS TO THERE HOUSE TO PLAY WITH STORMSIE,TIGER,COOKIE AND VIVIAN. OUR FAMILIES WERE SO CLOSE.LILLIAN WAS ONE OF A KIND AND MY LIFE HAS BEEN BLESSED KNOWING HER. GOD BLESS THE FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF GREIF. CARL AND ANN WOMBLE

- LEONARD CARL WOMBLE, HAMPTON, SC

To The Orrel Family, I want to express my deepest sympathy with the lost of your Mother. I know that with the help of the good Lord you all will get through this sad time. Mrs. Orrel was a beautiful person. Know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Martha Scarboro

- Martha Scarboro, Savannah, GA

I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Orrel at a dinner party given for her daughter, Tiger. I was immediately struck by her grace and what a beautiful lady she was. It was obvious that her family was very special to her. I have heard many nice things about her from both friends and family. Our heart felt sympathy to the entire family. We will keep you in our prayers. Brenda & Suitcase

- Brenda & Robert Simpson, Tybee Island, GA

I was sorry to read about the passing of your mother. I remember her as a fine lady. My sincere condolences, Walter C. 'Sonny' Coward, Jr.

- W. C., Savannah, GA

Vivian, I was so sorry to hear about your Mom passing away. I know she was very special to you. I'm sure that she treasured your extremely devoted & kind care that you brought to her. We all admired your devotion. God Bless your family, Diane

- Diane Rummel, Pooler, GA

SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO LOOSE YOUR MOTHER. IF I CAN DO ANYTHING LET ME KNOW. THINKING OF YOU IN MY PRAYERS RITA

- RITA ELMORE, SAVANNAH, GA

LILLIAN ORREL WAS ONE OF THE MOST GIVING PEOPLE I HAVE EVER KNOWN.SHE ALSO WAS A VERY BEAUTIFUL WOMEN IN HER DAYS AS MY MOTHER WAS. THE FREINDSHIP I HAVE SHARED WITH THE THE FAMILY FROM MY CHILDHOOD WILL ALWAYS BE VERY SPECIAL TO ME AS LONG AS I LIVE. STORMSIE,TIGER,COOKIE AND VIVIAN YOU HAVE BEEN BLESSED TO HAVE HAD A MOTHER LIKE LILLIAN.GOD BLESS YOU ALL IN YOUR LOST OF YOR MOTHER.

- GEORGE RONNIE WOMLE, COLUMBIA, SC

We are extremely sorry for the loss of your mother. We have heard so many wonderful things about her from Charlie. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. If we can do anything to help, please let us know.

- L.E. & Trever Wells, Kim, and Jill at Clarke's Block Co., Savannah, GA

Some of my fond memories of Lillian and her family -- Her beautiful blonde hair, her great shrimp salad, and her patience with everyone & her understanding heart. Her hospitality when we boys would visit during the summer & her fish tank with the seahorse. The small corner stairs in the old house and the smudge pots on the dock to keep away the mosquitoes and the horse flies. The first time I swan across the creek & the chickens & bantam rooster on the creek bank. And most of all, the love shown to my family by Lillian & Marvin and their children as we were growing up. I will always remember with love & appreciation my times with Lillian and the Orrel family.

- Herbie Womble, North Augusta, SC

Sorry to hear of your loss. Truly a very special person.

- Frank H. Grimm, Richmond Hill, Ga, GA

Lillian was a very sweet woman. I had spoke with her several times and met her once when she lost her 1/2 sister Margaret. She was a very great and special lady. I really liked her. I know she will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time of loss. My heart goes out to you as I know what it is like to lose a very special person that means the world to you. Donna WilliamsWife of Gerrit Williams

- Donna Williams, Sasser, GA

Sorry to hear of your loss Tiger, please accept the condolences of an old friend. John Hahn

- John Hahn, Smyrna, TN

Dear Vivian, I share in your sadness in the loss of your Mother. I wish that I could help ease your broken heart. Please contact me anytime. With Love, xo

- Carol Hammock Williamson, Savannah, GA

Lillian, you were very special to my Mom and Dad, and I pray that you have been reunited with them and your loving husband. All of the Womble Family will cherish the loving memories with you and your family. We were so closely connected for many years and then drifted apart - but you never were far away in our thoughts. You will always be beautiful in our eyes - in spirit and in deeds. To the family, please know that we share your loss. Our parents had a special friendship, and we will miss having them in our lives. May they all be at peace.

- Lynn Womble Buchman, Hilton Head Island, SC

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200