Orpha Burrell

Canton – Orpha Ilah Burrell, 92, born February 13,1933 in Cocke County T.N. Went home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 2, 2025. A resident of Haywood, NC, Orpha moved to Haywood County after graduating high school where she then started her Bookkeeping studies at St. John Catholic School in the early 1950’s.

Orpha was an active member of First Baptist Church of Clyde for many years, where she taught Sunday School and worked in the Nursery. Orpha was a woman of selflessness, great faith and had immense love for her family. Orpha possessed an infectious sense of humor and a remarkable wit that left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She carried herself with a calm and collected spirit, always sharing kind words with those in her presence. She was, without a doubt, a gentle soul which will be greatly missed.

Orpha was the daughter of the late Gray Clark and Cora Willis Clark. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her sister Oree Soesbee, brother Alvie Clark and her beloved husband of 64 wonderful years, Claude Albert Burrell who passed away in December of 2021.

Left to cherish her memory are sisters, Judy Kent, Iva Dean Henderson and Verna Medford; daughter Claudia Burrell (Demetrias Papaioannou) and son Marty Burrell (Brenda).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to First Baptist Church of Clyde at 227 Main St. Clyde, NC 28721.

Funeral services are scheduled at Wells Funeral Home in Canton, on Friday November 7th, 2025, at 12:00 PM with Reverend Byron Burnette officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior at Wells Funeral Home of Canton from 11:00am to 12:00 pm. Burial will follow service at Morning Star Community Cemetery.

Orpha will always be remembered as a devoted wife, mother and friend to all whom knew her.

Wells Funeral Home of Canton is honored to be serving Orpha Burrell’s family. Condolences may be offered to the family under her obituary at www.Wellsfuneralhome.com.