It was 145 years ago, 29 May 1874, in Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan, that my grandfather’s Aunt Ora was born to Charles Norton and Esther Jenks Lee.  Yes, that makes her full name Ora Lee.   Now, say it out loud!  What were they thinking with the choice of name?  Or, is this where I get my off the wall sense of humor?  If so, thank you great great grandparents Lee!

Ora Lee, youngest daughter of Charles and Esther Jenks Lee, and George W. Churches [ed note: brother of Robert Richard Churches, husband of Ora’s sister, Myra] were married September 2, 1897, at Pontiac, Michigan by the Rev. Mr. Pillsbury. Their only attendants were Mrs. Pillsbury and Miss Bernice Green. The bride’s dress was light gray serge with trimmings of lace and pale blue ribbons. They are the parents of three daughters, Pearl Geneva born February 21, 1899, Erma Lorene – July 29, 1906, and Ella Madelene – June 25, 1913. Pearl, the oldest, was married August 5, 1921, to Mr. Orthaldo Miller of Redford and is very happily situated in a lovely home a few doors south of her mother’s. Madelene, the youngest, made her appearance as reunion baby at our third reunion. At the 13th reunion she entertained the company with several readings which were highly enjoyed by all present. She, with Erma Lorene, help make the folks and home happy on Philbrick Ave, Redford, Michigan.   – Eva Seymour Jenks [Family Historian]

Aunt Ora passed away on 23 April 1953 and was interred at Grand Lawn Cemetery, Detroit,  Uncle George lived until 29 December 1960, and in interred next to Aunt Ora.