Lois Greenberg Orkin Joseph

Lois Greenberg Joseph, born August 9, 1928, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2026, at the age of 98.

Born in Houston, Texas, to Lena Appelbaum Greenberg and Henry D. Greenberg, Lois was a proud fourth-generation Texan. She was predeceased by her parents and by a sibling born in 1925, as well as by her beloved “sister,” Louise Schwartz Jacobs.

Lois attended Sullins College in Virginia and Sophie Newcomb College in New Orleans, where she was a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority. Her friendships from those early years remained important throughout her life. Among her closest childhood friends were Louise Jacobs, Betty Juran Sud, Jane Freeman, and Barbara Jean Myers.

In 1948, Lois married Andrew Orkin in the backyard of her parents’ home on Rosedale in Houston and moved with him to Jackson, Mississippi. Together they had three sons, Gary, Alan, and Bob. Gary predeceased her.

While living in Jackson, Lois became a longtime member of Temple Beth Israel and served for many years as director of the Temple Youth Group. She was beloved by generations of young people, in large part because she understood that the youth group was a place for friendship, laughter, and fun. She believed the Rabbi could take care of the religious education while she made sure the kids enjoyed being together.

Together with Andrew Orkin, Lois helped in raising funds for the construction of Henry S. Jacobs Camp in Utica, Mississippi. She had a lifelong commitment to supporting her community and the people she cared about.

In 1980, Lois married Maurice H. Joseph in Jackson, Mississippi. Together they traveled extensively and enjoyed a second home at La Costa in Carlsbad, California. Their years together were filled with travel, friendship, and wonderful memories. Maurice predeceased her in 2011.

Lois survived cancer and her life was saved in the Four-Leaf Towers (West) fire in October 2001 by Houston Firefighter Captain Jahnke.

Lois is survived by her sons, Dr.Alan and Bob Orkin; daughter-in-law, Debra Orkin; grandson, Jared Orkin; and stepdaughters, Meril Lu Joseph and Melissa Ann Joseph.

She was very fond of her many nieces and nephews and was especially grateful for the long-term love and support of Dr. Mark (Julie) Jacobs, Larry Jacobs (Lorraine), Steve Jacobs (Linda) and their children and grandchildren, as well as Marie Eldridge.

In her later years, Lois was fortunate to have the constant care, attention, and friendship of Saba Deri, Ta’janae Tillman, Melany Morales, and Blanca Gonzalez. The family also wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful and caring staff at Four Leaf Towers and many friends and neighbors at Four Leaf Towers, who helped make Lois feel cared for and at home.

Lois lived a long, full, and remarkable life. She cherished family and lifelong friendships, loved to travel, and had a special ability to make the people around her feel welcome. She will be remembered with great affection by all who knew and loved her.

A private interment was held at Beth Israel Cemetery. A reception will be held at a date to be decided later.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.