Lorraine Simpson

Officiating Life’s Journey There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: A time to be born, Lorraine Simpson was born in Washington DC on Monday, May 18, 1953. She was the only daughter and second child of the late Samuel and Annie Simpson. And a time to die, She departed this life on January 22, 2025, Wednesday evening, God dispatched his angels to quietly carry Lorraine home to be with her parents. A time to plant, Lorraine received her education from DC public schools and she graduated with honors from Anacostia Senior High School in 1971. She graduated from the District of Columbia Teachers College in 1976, earning a BS degree in special education. Lorraine taught in the District of Columbia Public School system for 30 years. She worked with students with special needs. She adored her students and enjoyed teaching them. She was an outstanding teacher and received many awards and recognitions, including the 2003 Scottish Rite Elementary Educator Excellence Award and the 2008 Kramer Middle School teacher of the year award. And a time to uproot, Lorraine retired in 2008 after 30 years of service. She enjoyed her retirement years. Every year she said that she was going to learn something new. She learned to swim. She took sign language classes, crocheting, Spanish, and computer classes. She was a lifelong learner. A time to scatter stones, Lorraine shared her life with many. She was friendly and very caring. Her sense of humor and quick wit would surely make you laugh. She could enjoy a good joke. She loved to laugh. She adored her family and truly enjoyed family gatherings, especially family reunions. She was always happy to find out anything she could about her family's rich heritage. She was a family favorite. She also enjoyed the sisterhood and friendship of the Sunday Brunch Book club members. She often spoke of the fun she had on their trips to the National Book Club conferences in Atlanta Georgia. One of her favorite activities was participating in their Rehoboth Beach Retreats. A third-generation member of Pilgrim Baptist Church Lorraine's Christian education began there in Sunday school. In 1958, at the age of five she joined the church under the pastorate of Rev. Charles W. Green. She was a faithful and active member for over 60 years. She served as a trustee; she served on the Child Care Development Center Advisor Board. She also served on the following ministries AMA, Pastors Partners, Vacation Bible School, Sign Language, the Sunbeams and the Charles W Green choir. Lorraine truly loved her pastor, Pastor Louis B Jones II, her church, and her church family. and a time to gather them Those who celebrate her life and legacy includes her devoted son, Mack Gaither Jr., and two loving granddaughters, Azaria L. Gaither and Zoey O. Gaither, One brother; Larry D. Simpson, one sister-law; Debra L. Simpson one nephew; Andre’ D. Freeman, two nieces; Shayla S Bussie and Ciara N. Bowen (Donta), and godson, Derrick A. Robinson (Yashica), Two great nephews, three great nieces, three double first cousins Dianne Carrington, Linda Hill and Jerry Simpson, and a host of cousins and other relatives and friends. Lorraine filled many lives with love, wisdom, happiness and laughter, leaving them with moments to treasure today and forever after.

Tributes

Lorraine Simpson

May 18, 1953 - January 22, 2025