t is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mary Joyce Orr Hutch, age 76, on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
Once upon a time, in a world filled with color and life, our world was blessed with Mary Joyce Orr Hutch, a gentle, sweet, yet rumbustious soul. Born on June 21, 1948, Mary was born from the loving union of Sylvester and Mattie Mae Garrard Orr. Born in Saltillo, Tennessee, Mary moved to Paducah, KY at an early age with her parents and siblings, Dorothy Jean, Sylvester Jr. (Bubba), and Lana. Taking residence on the Southside, specifically South 9th and 10th Streets, Mary’s presence was undoubtedly noted; she was truly extraordinary, admired by many as exceptionally beautiful and full of grace from the inside out. Affectionately known as Shug (short for sugar), Mary held many valuable roles throughout her life; devoted to them all, she was a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, wife, grandmother, cousin, and friend to so many.
At an early age, she gave her life to Christ and later in life, rededicated herself to seek God’s plan for her life. She was a graduated of Paducah Tilghman High School and furthered her education receiving both a cosmetology license and nursing assistant certification from West Kentucky State Vocational School. For several years, Mary was employed as a cosmetologist at the beauty salon of the late Charles Ella and as a nurse’s aide at Riverside Hospital. Mary was also an in-home caregiver who provided outstanding care to many elders throughout the community. Through both crafts, she shared her talents and skills with compassion and love. Perhaps, her warm smile, kind heart, and tremendously outgoing spirit brought the most comfort to her clients and patients.
Mary married the love of her life, Ernest (Ernie) Hutch in 1986. Together, they had a beautifully blended family of all boys: Perry, Micheal, Munsey, Tony, Mario, and Rico. They spent many of their years as a family in Cedar Grove, Tennessee where she was a homemaker while Ernie owned and operated a business. After Ernie’s passing, Mary returned to Paducah for the remainder of her life.
Mary was exceptionally talented at many things; one of the most memorable was cooking! She enjoyed sharing the kitchen with her sisters during Thanksgiving where she was always intent on making her famous two-sided dressing: one side regular and one side with oysters. She had a winning spirit which reflected throughout her life! From Powerball to a scratch off, Mary was sure to win! Her kind and humble spirit would never allow her to boast but instead open up her heart to bless those in need or those she loved. Mary also enjoyed a good horror movie, going to the casino, and interior decorating.
Mary was preceded in death by husband, Ernest Hutch; her parents, Sylvester Orr Sr. and Mattie Mae Garrard Orr; and her son, Mario Orr.
Mary is survived by her two loving sons, Anthony Orr of Paducah, KY and George “Rico” Orr of Moore, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Anthony (Chelsea) Washington, Ricky Orr and Aliya Orr; three great-grandchildren, Elijah Washington, Ahmad Washington, and Jordyn Callwood; beloved siblings, sister, Dorothy Jean Vinson, brother, Sylvester Orr Jr. (Bubba), devoted caregiver/sister, Lana Orr, and sister, Varetta (Johnny) Price; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.
Let us remember Mary “Shug” driving down South 9th in her pastel yellow 1985 Cadillac Sedan Seville; a car that fit her beauty and personality perfectly. Window down, beautiful hair blowing in the wind with her perfectly manicured hand of red finger nails gliding out of the window. Mary was a jewel, one that we will miss tremendously. Let us all live in a way in which will we see Mary again as her soul is, without a doubt, resting with our Savior.
Please join family and friends for a celebration of Mary’s life beginning at noon on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at the Blair Center, 936 North 10th St., Paducah, KY.