Jan 29, 2026
Jean Osteen Orr died peacefully on January 29, 2026 in Hendersonville, North Carolina. She was a devoted, faithful and persistent Christian whose life reflected her deep love for the Lord, her family and her friends.
A native of Henderson County Jean graduated as valedictorian of Flat Rock High School in 1958. She earned her bachelor’s degree in voice with a minor in music from Blue Mountain College in Blue Mountain, Mississippi in 1962.
Jean spent 42 years in Hendersonville before moving to Salem, South Carolina where she and her husband, Jimmie Orr owned and operated Hoyett’s Grocery and Tackle on Lake Jocassee from 1982 to 1996. After retirement Jean devoted countless hours to caring for her grandchildren and deepening her commitment to Bible study which remained central to her daily life.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Reverend Jesse and Emma Osteen; her parents, Alonzo and Grace Osteen; her beloved husband of 42 years, Jimmie Paul Orr; her sister-in-law, Brenda Sexton; and her son, Paul Orr.
Jean is survived by her children, Julee Reagles of Flat Rock, NC; Jill Hightower (Garry) of Seneca, SC; Joelle Kelly (John) of Saluda, NC; and Jonathan Perrin Orr (Christa) of Hendersonville, NC; and sister-in-laws Denise Halford (Craig) and Susie Corn (Greg) both of Zirconia, NC.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Alexander Reagles of Arvada, Colorado; Elizabeth Estrada (Victor) of Hendersonville, NC; Erika Dodgins of Seneca, SC; Emily Broome (Drew) of Seneca, SC; Nicholas Hightower of Greenville, SC; Cameron Albea of Marion, NC; Sarah White (Austin) of Hendersonville, NC; Alexis Orr of Salem, SC; Michaela Orr of Seminole, FL; Lars Orr of Boston, Massachusetts; Griffin Orr of Hendersonville, NC.
Jean was the proud great-grandmother of Berkleigh Broome, Baker Broome and Emma Estrada. She was joyfully awaiting the arrival of her fourth great-grandchild Dawson White expected in March.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
Jackson Funeral Service is honored to serve the Jean Orr family.