Lorna May Sullivan

Born outside of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Lorna‘s life was filled with adventure. She enjoyed sharing stories of growing up in Bushy Park, surrounded by beautiful beaches and nature. Her tales of being chased by ostriches and encountering wildlife on a daily basis made for fairy tale-like adventures in the South African countryside. She spent her early adult years traveling Europe with dear friends and in 1957 met a young officer in the US Air Force from West Alabama, who would soon become her husband. Robert and Lorna wed in London in 1958 and continued to travel Europe and welcomed their first daughter, Karen, in London and a few years later moved to the States where they had their second daughter, Dionne, while living in Alabama.

After settling in what was the rural Pike Road, they raised their girls, and she had a career in the judicial system as a court clerk. Robert and Lorna enjoyed traveling with their girls and raised Rhodesian ridgebacks and Jack Russell Terriers for many years; they also raised horses, and the girls enjoyed horseback riding.

She was loved by many and was a second “mom” to many of her Taekwondo family. She was not only known for being a black belt in Taekwondo, but her chicken salad was legendary at tournaments and gatherings. She was also a source of great conversation and had a quick wit about her that remained until her last days. She showed kindness and strength, resilience, and beauty, to all she met. She was a proud graduate of the Citizens Academy and spent her retired years volunteering at the sheriff’s office and jail. She was also a member of the Scottish Society and helped every year with the Highland Games.

She is survived by her two daughters, Karen Sullivan, Dionne Kelly, granddaughter, Elizabeth Hornsby (Josh), grandchildren, Sully, Levi, Stella and Cody Hornsby, her sister-in-law, Jean Lovemore, nieces, nephews, cousins in South Africa as well as nieces and nephews in North Carolina.

Lorna was many things to many people, whether you called her Mom, Ouma, Noo, or Mrs. Sullivan. One of her favorite names to hear called out was Ouma, South African for grandmother, by her granddaughter Beth and her 4 great grandchildren.

Celebrate her life with the family Sunday September 7, 2025 at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home 10505 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36117 beginning with a visitation at 1:00 PM with services beginning at 1:30 PM. Memorial services will be officiated by Mark Grizzard. A reception will be held after the memorial at the funeral home.

Those so desiring may make donations to your local Humane Society or Food Bank.

The family wishes to pass along their gratitude to Southeast Hospice, Brooke, Kameria, Unice, Barbara, Katie and Dr. Mathis.