Tanya Carletta Orr

Tanya Carletta Orr, 53, affectionately known as “Tee” or “TT,” peacefully departed this life on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center in Clinton, Maryland.

Tanya was born on February 24, 1973, in Washington, D.C., to Harold and Linda Swann.

She attended Charles County Public Schools in Indian Head, Maryland, where she graduated from Henry E. Lackey High School in 1991. After graduating, she married her high school sweetheart, Carterrys Orr, and together they welcomed their pride and joy, Paris.

At an early age, Tanya began her professional career at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., working under Senator Bob Graham from 1991 to 2005. She worked closely with her aunt Sharon, an experience she greatly enjoyed. Following her government service, Tanya became employed at Westlake High School as the Main Office Secretary, where she positively impacted the lives of countless students, families, and staff members for many years.

Tanya grew up in the Christian faith and became a devoted member of Breath of Life Seventh-day Adventist Church in Fort Washington, Maryland. Before her illness progressed, she faithfully served in various ministries, including Children’s Ministry and Vacation Bible School.

Tanya enjoyed spending time with family, appreciating nature, watching the Food Network and trying new recipes, cheering for her beloved Washington Commanders, and sharing special outings with the “Golden Girls”—her Aunt Barbara-Jean and grandmother Shirley. Most importantly, Tanya treasured her personal time with God.

Tanya was an inspiration to everyone she encountered. To know her was to love her. Even amid her own personal trials and illness, she radiated positivity, demonstrated strength, showed compassion toward others, extended a helping hand whenever needed, led by example, faithfully sent her daily “Good Morning Jesus and Family” text messages, and consistently proclaimed the greatness and mercy of God.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Linda Swann; grandmother, Estelle Swann; and grandfathers, Harold Swann Sr. and Bernard Carroll Sr.

Tanya leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Paris Orr; father, Harold Swann Jr.; sisters, Jacqueline Swann, Carla Swann, Hope Swann, and DeWanna Morris (Timothy Sr.); brother, Adam Lawson (Barbara); grandmother, Shirley Carroll; niece, Ashley Morris; nephews, Tae’Jeaune Gray, Josiah Swann-Hargrove, Adam Lawson Jr., Chance Lawson, Joshua Morris, and Timothy Morris Jr.; godchildren, Savannah Swann, Lorenzo Williams, Brielle Williams, Landon Williams, Markus Lyles Jr., and Zakiya Covington; godmothers, Mae Jackson and Darlene Heard; godsisters, Saundra Darden, Chakia Robinson, Birshona Leftridge, and Shalinda Leftridge; and godbrother, Don Juan “DJ” Leftridge.

She also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, lifelong friends, former co-workers, former Westlake students, and her loving church family to cherish her memory forever.

Friends may visit with the family Friday, June 19th from 9:30 am until time of funeral service at 11 am at Breath of Life Seventh Day Adventist Church, 11310 Fort Washington Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744. Interment immediately to follow at National Harmony Memorial Park, Landover, MD