Lorraine was born in Goldsboro, NC to Ezra Robert and Dora Ada Herring Pearce on November 14, 1931. According to family lore, she met Earl Ray Sullivan, “the day before Christmas, and got married to him the day after Christmas.” When he told the story, Ray enjoyed omitting the two years they dated long-distance while he was serving in the Air Force during 1952-1954. Following marriage, she moved to the Chattanooga area and founded Made-Rite Sandwich Company in partnership with Ray. She raised four children, who gave her 10 grandchildren; who, at the time of her passing, had given her eight great-grandchildren. In retirement from Made-Rite she became an expert organic produce gardener, bird-watcher, beekeeper, puzzler, exotic chicken farmer, and collector of dolls.
Lorraine will be missed by her children, Valerie (Kenny) Stiner of Ooltewah, TN, Keith (Rene) Sullivan of Ooltewah, TN, Lisa (Steve) Corley of Ringgold, GA and Jenni (Greg) O’Quinn of Brandon, MS; grandchildren, Sarah (Malcolm) Johnson, Ken Stiner, Meagan (Chris) Hooper, Jason (Emily) Sullivan, Will (Cindy) Sullivan, Andy (Cassidy) Corley, Michael (Tory) Corley, Daniel Corley, Matthew Corley and Joshua Corley; great-grandchildren, Bentlee and Kenslee Stiner, Lily, Ava Grace and Tyson Hooper, Ariana Sullivan, Amelia and Allison Corley; sisters: Gladys Bartlett, Dixie Toler and Frances Hood of Goldsboro, NC; brother-in-law Elwood (Lucille) Sullivan of Kenly, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at Chattanooga National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 16, 2018. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, Children's Ministry, 8645 E. Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421.
Please share your memories of Lorraine with the family at www.chattanoogaeastbrainerdchapel.com
Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 8214 E. Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37321.
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