Orva Savare
October 12, 1944 - July 27, 2011

Orva Savare October 12th, 1944 - July 27th, 2011 On October 12, 1944 in Fallis, Oklahoma, Horace and Gladys Hanley were blessed with a beautiful baby girl who they named Orva Ray. Orva spent her early childhood years in Wellston, Oklahoma with her grandparents David and Maple Bobo. At age 8, she and her brother Herman Hanley, better known as "Big Mike" moved to San Diego, California. Her formative education included attendance at Memorial Jr. High School followed by San Diego High School, where she graduated with honors. At age 19, Orva met and fell in love with James Taylor. They were blessed with a bouncing baby girl named Tracy Machell Taylor. Sometime later, she met and married her soul mate Howard Savare. They completed their family with a son named David and a beautiful baby girl named Kelli. Widowed in her early 20s, Orva's determination to provide for her family led her to enroll at San Diego City College where she completed an Associate in Arts degree in Accounting. Many years of sacrifice and dedication during her educational pursuit paid off as she became the first African American Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agent in San Diego county. Through her trailblazing effort and distinguished career, she opened the doors for many African American IRS employees, and retired after nearly 20 years of service. In 1960, Orva dedicated her life to Christ and became a member of the 32nd Street Church of Christ. She served the church as part of the Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and wherever there was a need to minister. Orva enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, sewing, shopping, traveling and yes, riding motorcycles. Orva was a free spirit and traveled with the King Cobra Motorcycle Club and her family throughout California. Orva also enjoyed camping with her family. Cooking soul food with the Blues playing in the background and playing Phaze 10 was one of her favorite pastimes. However, of all the adventures Orva enjoyed, none could not compare to the love she had for her family, friends and those in need, especially children. Orva had a very compassionate spirit. With kindness, love, humility and understanding, she greeted and welcomed everyone who crossed her path. Never wanting a child to feel unloved or unwanted, she opened her home to all. She was always a person who put family first, and inquired about her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren until her very last day. She still had more love to give in her later years and she showed that by adopting Gary, Jasmine And Laronica. Orva Ray was one of the bravest angels to walk this earth. On Wednesday July 27, 2011 this angel was called home to rest. She is preceded in death by her daughter Kelli Adair, father Horace Hanley, brothers Herman "Big Mike", and Spencer, and grandparents David and Maple Bobo. She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved children Tracy Taylor (Kevin) and David Savare Sr. (Lisa); her adopted children Gary, Jazmine and Laronica Selmon-Savare; and her mother, Gladys Perkins, of San Diego, California. Her sisters, Doris of Las Vegas, Nevada; Beverly (Jim) and Gwen (Jerry), San Diego, California; brothers Terry (Jackie), San Antonio, Texas, Paul (Renee), Michael (Jackie), Larry and Rocky (Avmaria), San Diego, California. Grandchildren, Marcia (Ternell), Jordan, Tamia; Richard (Maissha), Richard Jr., Richaun; Anthony Jr. (Erika), Anthony III, Aniyah, Alanah; Michael (Unique), Michael Jr. Marianna; Mercedes (Chris), Khamani, Khaidyn; David Jr.; Natasha (Marcellis), Marcellis Jr., Martin; Marice Jr.; Parris; Taylorr and Tiara, of San Diego, California. Special friends, Mazzie, Leome, Rita and Arlene, Oh let's not forget M.T. ;) along with a host of other relatives and many friends. Tweet

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