Lillian Merritt Delk Rorie

Send Flowers

Service Schedule
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
310 W. 17th St
Little Rock, AR  72206
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
10:00 AM
Cemetery
State Line Cemetery
Texarkana, AR  71854
Memorial Contributions
Arkansas Children's Hospital
1 Children's Way
Little Rock, AR  72202


First Presbyterian Church
516 Pecan
Texarkana, AR  71854
Lillian Merritt Delk Rorie

of Little Rock, AR

September 18, 1924 - May 18, 2018

Lillian Merritt Delk Rorie passed away on May 18, 2018. She was born on September 18, 1924 to Robert Finley Delk and Clara Etta Merritt Delk. Lillian grew up in Texarkana, AR. She began her education at Patty Hill School, where she made several lifelong friends. She graduated from Arkansas High School, where she was a drum majorette and a member of the Delta Beta Sigma sorority. She attended Baylor University. She worked for several years in Texarkana at First Federal Savings & Loan and as a secretary. Lillian was an emeritus member of the Junior League of Texarkana, where she served as Treasurer and Corresponding Secretary.

In 1954, she married the love of her life, Jean Earley Rorie. They shared over 42 years of happiness, marred only by the untimely death of their daughter, Anne. Together, they supported many local and regional charitable groups. They were particularly devoted to St. James Episcopal Day School.

One of the abiding joys of her later life was playing tower bells in the English tradition, known as change bell ringing. She belonged to change ringing ''bands'' at two churches where she was a faithful member: First Presbyterian Church in Texarkana and Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Little Rock.

In 1997, Lillian moved to Little Rock. She loved living near her grandchildren as they grew up. Lillian also volunteered extensively at the Arkansas Arts Center and as a Master Gardner.

Lillian was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Jean Earley Rorie, MD, her daughter, Anne Louise Rorie, and her brother, John Robert Delk. She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Rorie Henry, her grandchildren: Elizabeth Henry McKeever (Alison), William Rorie Henry, (Kylie), and Robert Merritt Henry ("fiancé, Charlotte Young), and her great grandson, James Ellam McKeever.

In lieu of flowers, her family has requested donations in Lillian's memory be directed to Arkansas Children's Hospital and First Presbyterian Church of Texarkana.

Funeral services will be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 310 W 17th St. Little Rock , Arkansas, 72206, at 10 A.M., Tuesday, May 22, 2018 followed by burial at 3:00 P.M., State Line Cemetery, Texarkana, Arkansas.


Sign Guestbook

7 Condolence(s)
Rita Mitchell
Hattiesburg, MS
Liked
Sunday, June 10, 2018

Ms. Lil was a delight, a mentor , a constant cheerleader and an inspiration to us all -

Any room, life and spirit brightened with her presence -
She had the sparkle of joy and diamonds ...
Bright, sharp and with so much pure class!!

We will all miss her presence, but will feel and hear her
echo through all our warm, wonderful memories.

Much love and light ,

Rita

Stanley Jones
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, May 22, 2018

With Deepest Sympathy,
Catherine & Stan Jones
Tom & Stacie Jones
Genie Jones
Jan Fite
Cathy Strong

Sara & Herman Barnett
Texarkana, TX
Liked
Monday, May 21, 2018

Sarah (& family), I just looked at the morning paper about 9:20PM. I am so saddened. I loved your Mom & Dad (in fact, I think my 2 kids were his favorite patients!) I did not know you and Anne; but they often talked to me about you. My sister & I visited with your Mom a few times. Whenever I would talk to Lillian, she would always ask about my family & my sister. My daughter often sent her photos of her boys. I went by to visit back in Nov & did not ever get an answer at the door. The last time I had talked with Lillian, I knew she was a little tired. (I did drop her a little note to let her know that I had been by. Lillian was always such a joy to visit -- when they lived here & after they moved to LR.)
I would have loved to have seen you and the family today at State Line. I will go by & "talk" with your parents sometime. I always put a flower on the site on Dr. Rorie's birthday. I will remember your Mom also -- that is my son's birthday. You and your family are so special; you will remain in my prayers.
Sara Margaret Mills Barnett

Debbie Partee
Magnilia, AR
Liked
Monday, May 21, 2018

My family and I wish to extend our heartfelt sorrow for your loss.

Linda Henderson
Texarkana, TX
Liked
Monday, May 21, 2018

So sorry for your loss. Such a joy to talk to on the phone about her Insurance needs. After taking care of business we talked about life. She called and spoke words of comfort to me when my Mother passed away and we talked about playing the piano and how I wished I had one as grand as hers in my home. She loved music and she loved life. She will be missed by many. Rest in Heaven and Rest in Love Mrs. Lillian Rorie.

Maurice orr
Texarkana, AR
Liked
Monday, May 21, 2018

Lillian was a lovely person. I knew her quite well as she was a friend of my brother Marcus Wayne Orr. I think they were in the same high s hoop class. May she Rest In Peace.

DW
Cordova, TN
Liked
Sunday, May 20, 2018

So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the words spoken at John 5:28,29 Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice, and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment".