Elizabeth J. Orr

Elizabeth “Bet” Orr passed away January 4, 2024, after a long struggle with cancer.

She was born in Lynchburg, VA, on April 20, 1945, daughter of the late Lawrence Orr and Rebecca Mitchell.

Bet had many gardening clients in both Washington DC and Delaware. She designed many holiday decorations in downtown hotels and department store windows. She and Marianne Lester, Bet’s lifelong partner of 36 years, moved in 1989 into one of the Milton historic homes. Behind the home was a hidden garden with many unique annuals and lovely perennials.

Throughout the years, Bet was an excellent businesswoman and creative landscape designer of unique small gardens in the historic districts of Lewes and Milton. One of the many gifts that she shared with friends and clients included antique vases with large beautiful bouquets of summer dahlias.

Bet’s gardens were often on the Milton Garden Club House Tour and Lewes Chamber of Commerce Garden Tour and received many awards. She was a highly respected business woman in Washington D.C, Milton and Lewes DE.

Bet and Marianne enjoyed spending their retirement years in Milton and winters in Dunedin, Florida.

Bet was known for her smile and wonderful flower arrangements that she freely shared. Her friends will miss her greatly.

She is survived by her sister, Sharon Saunders, brother-in-law Randy, nieces, Michelle Davis (Scott) and Fallon Birch (Alex).

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences or tributes are welcome for the family at www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com