Renee Vanderwerff Orren

Renee was born in Danville, VA on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1957, and passed away on October 6, 2026, in Greenville SC.

She is survived by her loving husband Dennis of Greenville, sons Matthew (Katherine Clare) of Atlanta and John (Olivia) of Greenville, grandchildren Amelia, Van, Roscoe, Sutton and Bodie, siblings, Wendy Underwood of Greenville, Denise Routson (Bill) of McDaniel, MD, Buzz Vanderwerff (Bet) of Greensboro, NC, Kathy Moca of Greenville and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Betty Vanderwerff, her brother Peter Vanderwerff, her sister Alida Vanderwerff, and her brother Bill Vanderwerff.

Renee lived most of her life in Greenville, graduating from Greenville Senior High School, and attending the University of South Carolina and the College of Charleston. After returning to Greenville, she was known in the community as the owner of Amy Pride, an iconic women's clothing store, in partnership with her mother and her sister Kathy. Amy Pride was known for the “prettiest clothes in town”, and for 32 years, Renee was ever present with her effervescent smile, an eye for fashion, and devotion to her customers, some of whom came from miles away to see her. She was active in the Junior League of Greenville and at St Mary’s where her children attended school.

As the youngest of 8 children, she was the life of the party, commanding a room with stories and laughter, and loved being surrounded by family. Her sons were her pride and joy, as were their wonderful wives and children. She was known for her creative, and thoughtful gift-giving, which began with her nieces and nephews (to whom she was known as Nee-Nee) and continued with her darling grandchildren, to whom she will always be known as Oma.

Her family would like to express their gratitude to Renee’s lifelong friend Pat Parsons, who helped care for her in her final days.