On Monday, July 13, 2015, Orlena R. Kendrick, 87, of Alexandria, VA, formerly of Indian Head, MD; beloved wife of the late retired U.S. Army 1st Sgt Earl Jerome Kendrick; devoted mother of retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt Jerome "Jerry" Kendrick (Gloria), retired U.S. Navy Cmdr James "Tony" Kendrick (Kathie), Keith Kendrick (Wendy), Karol Parr, Kathy Cross (David), and Katrina Kendrick. Mrs. Kendrick is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, sisters Vila Zverina and Wanda Elliott, and brother Byrd Raby.

Mrs. Kendrick was born May 1, 1928 in Franklin, North Carolina to the late Jess Raby and the late Ada Welch Raby. When she was 3 years old, Mrs. Kendrick's parents moved the family to Indian Head, Maryland where she grew up and graduated from Lackey High School, class of 1945.

In 1946, she married Romie Kendrick to begin her greatest joy of sharing her life with him for 45 years and their six children. A career military wife, Mrs. Kendrick proudly supported her husband's 25-year military career, which took them to live at several duty stations across the United States, including Alaska, as well as being stationed overseas in Bamberg, Germany and Istanbul, Turkey. Her husband, children and her returned to Indian Head after they retired from the U.S. Army in 1968.

Her wealth of knowledge, keen interest, and curiosity led to many trips throughout her life to historic sites and communities across America where she either vacationed or lived in every one of the 50 States. A 1972 graduate of Charles County Community College with an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, Mrs. Kendrick was selected to appear in "Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges," for her academic achievements. She used her college degree during her years working for the Charles County School system as a teacher's aide. She also worked for the Department of Defense in Alaska and Washington DC for many years, and always praised her children's commitment to public service and their achievements working for the Federal Government.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of La Plata, Maryland, and a Past Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Grace Chapter #21, Indian Head, Maryland. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and her heartfelt laughter and strength of character will be remembered with love always.

Pallbearers are eight of her grandchildren; Claire Kendrick Weschler, Kyle Kendrick, William Parr, Phillip Kendrick, Victoria Kendrick, Kody Cross, Kaylee Cross, and Kassidy Cross. Honorary Pallbearers are Troy Kendrick and Travis Kendrick. Family invites relatives and friends to Huntt Funeral Home, 3103 Old Washington Rd., Waldorf, MD, on Monday, July 27, for viewing from 2-4pm and 6-8pm includes Order of the Eastern Star memorial service at 7pm.

Funeral Service on Tuesday, July 28, at 12:00pm with interment following at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery-Maryland. If desired, memorial contributions can be made to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, www.blindness.org. Arrangements provided by Hunt Funeral Home.