Carol Orr Lehman-Inkley: Granger’s Beloved Pianist

History of Carol Orr Lehman Inkley (1925–2008)

Carol was born in 1925 into one of Granger’s early pioneer families, with deep roots connecting the Orr, Inkley, Lehman, and Fairbourne families. Growing up in Granger, she was surrounded by the traditions of community, hard work, and music that shaped her life.

As a young woman, Carol displayed a natural talent for the arts. She became an accomplished pianist and developed a lifelong love for both music and flowers. For a time, she worked as a display decorator at Keith O’Brien, where her artistic eye and creativity shone.

Carol attended Monroe School, where she met her future husband, William Lehman. The two grew up side by side and later married in 1945, beginning a partnership that would last a lifetime. Together they purchased a home at 3592 South 3200 West in Granger, where they raised their family.

William and Carol also ventured into business, opening Granger Hardware on 3500 South, a store that became a familiar and trusted part of the community. While William managed much of the day-to-day business, Carol shared her talents in other ways—teaching piano lessons from home, inspiring countless young students with her love of music.

She also gave freely of her talents to her church and community. Carol was the pianist for the Relief Society and a member of the Singing Mothers, where her music lifted and inspired many.

In 1958, Carol and her family were highlighted in the “Know Your Neighbor” section of the newspaper, a recognition of their contributions to the growing Granger community.

Carol’s life reflected the values of her pioneer heritage—creativity, service, family devotion, and community spirit. She left behind not only a legacy of music and artistry but also the strong example of a woman who built her life in Granger, married her childhood sweetheart, and enriched her community through both her work and her gifts.

Carol playing for the Singing Mothers

Carol’s life was deeply interwoven with Granger’s history—

Born into the Orr family, united with the Lehman family through her marriage to William Lehman and their 4 children, later connected to the Inkley family through her second marriage, and as the granddaughter of early pioneer Joseph Fairbourne, she carried ties to many of Granger’s most rooted families

William & Carol Lehman and their 4 children