Coleridge Westerman Orr

Dr. Coleridge Westerman Orr Dr. Coleridge Westerman Orr passed away on August 21, 2024, at the age of 91 in Wellington, Florida. He was born on June 24, 1933, in St. Catherine parish, Jamaica West Indies, and was the son of Pastor Cyrenius Orr and Mrs. Gladys Orr (nee Bowen) of Kingston, Jamaica, both of whom predeceased him. He was a revered figure in his community and will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband and father. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and devotion that will be cherished by all who knew him. Coleridge dedicated his life to his faith, having committed himself to serving Jesus Christ from a young age. His spiritual journey led him to become an influential member of his church communities, as an usher, elder, board member, and notably as a prolific Sunday School teacher at White Plains Assembly of God Church in White Plains, New York, First Christian Church in Inverness, Florida, and later at Grace Fellowship in West Palm Beach, Florida. His lifelong association with the church, including his role as a church deacon, earned him the loving monikers of "Deekie", "D.K.", "Deeks", and "Chief". He pursued an extensive education, attending Mount Nero School and Calabar High School in Jamaica, West Indies before moving on to higher education in North America. He received his B.A. from Queens College in Kingston, Ontario, an M.A. from Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, an M.L.S. from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, and lastly a doctorate degree (Ed. D.) from Teachers College, Columbia University in New York, NY. Professionally, Coleridge had a distinguished career of many years in higher education and librarianship, ultimately serving as an Associate Professor and Chairperson, Chief Librarian at Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn, NY. Prior to this, he held many positions in academia and was a librarian at Mount Vernon Public Library in Mount Vernon, NY. Coleridge's loving spirit is carried on by his wife, Veneta Gregory-Orr; her daughter, Andree Laney; his children, Cheryl Orr, Michael Orr (Dawn Orr), and Ian Orr (Jamie Orr); his grandchildren, Sydney Orr, Colin Orr, Caleb Orr, Keris Orr, Chase Orr, Xavier Orr, Julian Orr, Gianna Orr, Ava Orr, and Lola Orr; his brother, Anthony Orr; and his sisters; Norma Orr and Flavia Orr. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Kay Orr; and siblings, Joyce Brown, Chester Orr, Ewart Orr, Carlye Orr, Lois Todman, and Courtney Orr. Beyond his professional and religious commitments, Coleridge enjoyed reading the Bible, taking walks, bowling, playing board games (especially dominoes), and activities that reflected his calm and often pensive demeanor. He had a great ability to make others smile and his sense of humor will be missed. To honor Coleridge's memory, a viewing will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Grace Fellowship church (8350 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33411). A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 12:00 PM at the same location.