Orell Hollingshed

Mrs. Orell Hollingshed passed away Thursday May 9, 2024 at the age of 90 in the peace and comfort of her home in Rockford, Il. With her daughter by her side. Mrs. Orell Hollingshed was born in Waterloo, Arkansas on September 26, 1933, the youngest of 10 children to Mr. Jack and Mrs. Callie Stringer. Mrs. Orell Hollingshed was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved her family with an unconditional love and supported her family with a fiery passion.
Mrs. Orell Hollingshed graduated from Rosston High School in Arkansas and came to Rockford Illinois at the age of 16. Several years later she married the late Odie B. Hollingshed, Sr. Mrs. Orell's first job was at Johnny's Chicken Shack in Rockford. She also managed several dry cleaning businesses and catered food for thousands of people, and hundreds of businesses and organizations in the city of Rockford. She also was proud of working in several positions with youth over the years for the Rockford Public Schools system.
Mrs. Orell Hollingshed joined Allen Chapel A. M.E. Church in 1957. She served faithfully and joyfully as a very active and integral part of the churches ministry for 55 years as a Steward, a Trustee, Class Leader, Lay Organization, Matron Club, Youth Director, Sunday School Teacher, Church Founders Day Committee Leader and member, a mentor for the Master's Debutant, and Allen Chapel AME Julia Soup kitchen organizer as well as organizing other soup kitchen efforts in the city of Rockford, IL., and an annual Vacation Bible School organizer, just to mention a few. She was know as a champion in raising funds for many different organizations of the church and co-op efforts in the community. Mrs. Orell Hollingshed selflessly helped countless families in need with her own finances for years that were connected with the church and in the community with out being asked and without looking for recognition. One outstanding effort to note is that Mrs. Hollingshed was instrumental in helping Allen Chapel A.M.E church under the leadership of the former pastor, (Rev. Dr. James C. Wade Sr.) to sponsor and translocate a family from Africa to Rockford, Il. Mrs. Hollingshed personally took ownership in supporting this family and helping them to become established and productive residents of society. She even tutored the children of the family helping them to learn and speak the English language.
Mrs. Orell Hollingshed was relentlessly engaged and impactful in her community as well as a community organizer, Tutor and Youth advocate for the Rockford public School System, She was a licensed and preferred child care provider, and a loving and highly regarded adoptive parent. Mrs. Hollingshed also organized the "26 Block Club",the largest block club in the city at that time. She actively campaigned and helped in the effort to elect Rockford, Il. First black Mayor, The former Mayor Charles E. Box as well as several aldermen that held office. Mrs. Orell Hollingshed continued her service and work in the ministry after joining First Christian Church of Rockford Il. In 2012 under the leadership of her son in law & daughter Pastors Alphonzo & Barbara Heath. Mrs. Hollingshed loved and is remembered by countless people as an amazing cook, a fantastic bowler, and an avid supporter and fan of the Rockford Lightning Basketball Team. She was also Chicago Bulls Fan. Mrs. Hollingshed also enjoyed professional wrestling and still maintained a few moves to back up her support of the sport.
Mrs. Orell Hollingshed and her husband, the late Odie B. Hollingshed Sr. enjoyed traveling to the different professional wrestling matches all over the tri-state region. Mrs. Orell Hollingshed also really enjoyed traveling, learning, and reading.
Mrs. Orell Hollingshed was predeceased by her husband the late Odie B. Hollingshed Sr., her parents, the late Jack and Callie Stringer, 6 sisters and 3 brothers, her precious granddaughter- Marie Latrice Hollingshed, her great grandson, Lamarous Hollingshed, and Special Friends: The late Catherine Graham & The late Ozella Morgan.
Mrs. Orell Hollingshed is survived by the following;
Children: Gerald (Fatimah) Omar - Rockford, Illinois; Sherry M. Hollingshed - Rockford, Illinois; Odie B. (Patricia) Hollingshed, Jr. - Portland, Oregon; Lynn D. (Cynthia) Hollingshed, Sr. - Henderson, Nevada; Pastor Barbara D. Heath (Pastor Alphonzo W. Heath) - Rockford, Illinois; Lorrick J. (Sherrie) Hollingshed, Sr.- Orlando, Florida; DaVon D. (Ashley) Hollingshed - Rockford, Illinois.
Special Niece : Clevester Hicks; Legally Adopted Children: Dwayne Hollingshed; Dwana Hollingshed; Grandchildren: Michael (Tiffany) Hollingshed, Amanda Omar, Kameelah Omar, Haneef & Dawn Omar, Bilal & Natasctia Omar, Barbara (Dennis) Elkins, Lynn Hollingshed, Jr., Lamarcus Hollingshed Sr., Lorrick Hollingshed, Jr., Odie (Kristine) Hollingshed, Jordan (Chris) Bitonti, Callie Hollingshed, Justice Hollingshed; 23 Great Grandchildren; 7 Great great grandchildren; Survived by many relatives and friends. 6 Nieces & 2 Nephews; Special Friends of Mrs Hollingshed: Elder JoAnn Wilson & Mrs. Caretha Collins.
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