Lutelia "Tina" Orr-Embry

On June 20, 1949 in Talladega, Alabama, Lutelia Jacobs began her 76-year earthly journey when she was welcomed to the world by her beloved parents Rufus Jacobs and Ollie Montgomery Jacobs. Lutelia illuminated the lives of those around her with her radiant spirit and unwavering faith in God. Ms. Embry committed her life to Christ at a young age and united with Little Jerusalem Church of God. She was a faithful servant of God. She received her formal education at Ophelia S. Hill High School in the Talladega County School System. Upon completing school, Ms. Embry became a seamstress with Sweet Orr Sewing Plant and later in life she used her culinary skills in the restaurant industry while working with Western Sizzlin. As Ms. Embry traveled her 76-year blessed earthly journey, she became the devoted mother of five loving children, Jerry, Jeffery, Valerie, Tawanda, and Mark. She loved her children with all her heart. A passionate singer, Lutelia found joy in the melodies of life, often filling her home with music that reflected her generous heart. Her culinary talents were legendary; she was renowned for her special banana pudding, delectable custard and sweet potato pies, and her homemade cakes that brought comfort and joy to gatherings and celebrations. Many will carry cherished memories of holiday feasts and family dinners marked by Lutelia's extraordinary dishes, which were more than just food-they were expressions of love.Lutelia had a deep-rooted love for her neighborhood, always extending a helping hand to others in need. Her kindness did not go unnoticed, as she offered support and encouragement to those around her, embodying the true spirit of community. She was not only a caretaker of her loved ones but also a nurturer of gardens, her hands lovingly planting flowers that bloomed brightly in the sunlight, reflecting the beauty she saw in life. Ms. Embry is truly going to be missed by not only her family, but all the lives she has touched in some way while on this journey. On the morning of Saturday, November 1, after 76 blessed years on this earthly journey, God beckoned for Ms. Embry to accept her heavenly wings while in the comfort of NHC Healthcare surrounded by her loving family. Preceding her in death was her husbands, Jerry Orr, Sr. and John W. Embry, parents, Rufus and Ollie Jacobs, daughter, Tawanda Stokes, brothers, Bob Jacobs, Billy Jacobs, Donald Jacobs, Samuel Jacobs, Anthony Jacobs, and Tony Kirksey, sisters, Oneida M. Brock, Ruth Ann Curry, and Betty Jacobs, bonus mother, Mary Frances Jacobs, bonus son, Dexter Embry, brothers-in-law, Fred Curry, Fred Fomby, Sidney Fomby, Carl Orr, Odell Orr, Jimmy Orr, and Henry C. Orr, and sister-in-law, Mary Fomby. She leaves to cherish an everlasting legacy of love and memories, her three sons, Jerry (Willene) Orr, Jeffery (Novette) Orr, and Mark (Chekelia) Embry; daughter, Valarie (Jeffrey) Fleming; Godsons, Rex (Wendy) Wills and Mark (Kelly) Embry; brothers, Pastor Lenard L. (Emma) Jacobs and Eugene (Renee) Jacobs; sisters, Ollie Mae Jacobs, Sandra (Fred) Crittenden, Cassandra Kirksey, Denise Marshall, and Arnetria (Willie) Howard; grandchildren, Johnathan Stokes, Jarius Stokes, Daeshawn Stokes, Jerrica Orr, Jacob (Jeniqua) Orr, Jasmine, Fleming, Bradley Fleming, Jiyez Fleming, Kendall Orr, Tevin Embry, and Marlonda Pemberton; great-grandchildren, Brandon "BJ" Robinson, Jr. and La'Tayah Embry; sisters-in-law, Marvie Jacobs, Lorraine White, Mary Joyce (Gary) Smith, Ruby Grier, Rosie Mae Orr, Ruthie Jacobs, and Sarah Ann Madden; brothers-in-law, Louis (Rosetta) Orr, Roosevelt (Joan) Fomby, Elton (Jimmy Lou) Fomby, and Rodney (Vicki) Fomby; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. As we remember Lutelia, we celebrate a woman whose life was a testament to kindness, faith, and unyielding love. Her laughter, her baking, and her gentle spirit will be sorely missed, yet her presence will remain in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know her.

Tributes

Lutelia "Tina" Orr-Embry

June 20, 1949 - November 1, 2025