Rollena I. Pelham, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025, just days shy of her 87th birthday. Born on December 22, 1938, in Vincennes, she is the daughter of John Rollie and Grace Irene (Wilcher) Orr.
A cherished member of the Ridgecrest Baptist Church, Rollena found strength and solace in her faith. Her connection to her church community provided her with a sense of belonging that she treasured deeply. An avid reader, Rollena relished the joy of immersing herself in the pages of countless books, and she was profoundly grateful for the Knox County Public Library’s generous service that delivered two months’ worth of literature to her at a time and then when she was done, they would deliver two more months.
Above all, Rollena’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include her children, Susan Adams of Vincennes, David Pelham and his wife Roxie of Vincennes; her siblings, Joe Orr and his wife Susan of Vincennes, Renna Clausman and her husband John of Vincennes, Beth Sumner of Vincennes; her grandchildren, Jeremy Adams and his wife Hanna, Ethan Pelham, Emily Myers; her great grandchildren, Ryker Adams and Delaney Adams, as well as several nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews. Rollena is preceded in death by her parents, John Rollie and Grace Irene Orr, her children, Jana Lee and Roger Lee Adams; her siblings, John R. Orr. Jr., Becky Soukup, and James F. Orr.
Graveside services celebrating Rollena’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Fairview Cemetery. Online memories may be shared with Rollena’s family and friends at www.goodwinsieversfh.com. Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is privileged and honored to be entrusted with the care of Rollena and her family.
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