March 2, 1949 ~ April 8, 2020
Born in: Brooklyn, New York
Resided in:
Dacula, Georgia
Lorraine Yvonne Peterkin was born on March 2, 1949 in Brooklyn, New York to Eglon Peterkin Sr. and Vera Powell Peterkin who had both emigrated from Jamaica, West Indies.
A Renaissance woman, Lorraine led an amazing life full of many milestones and accomplishments. As a child, she was a classically trained pianist and performed on the stage of Carnegie Hall when she was 7 years old. Her signature pieces included Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata and Für Elise and she would tell stories of being knocked on the knuckles with a ruler by her music teacher if a note was less than perfect.
As she matured, her talents included making her own clothes, playing tennis and paddleball and her childhood home was filled with her many bowling trophies.
After being recruited while a senior at Washington Irving High School in New York City, Lorraine worked for the FBI for a few years during the 1960’s. She then went on to start a career in the financial/credit industry and was the first African American female manager in the U.S. and Canada for Household Finance Corp. (now HSBC Bank). She worked in the industry until her retirement over a decade ago.
Lorraine met and married Andrew (Bob) Harris and they were blessed with the birth of their son Jermaine in 1977. Though they eventually divorced they always remained friends.
A skillful game enthusiast, in her leisure time Lorraine enjoyed playing Candy Crush (level 5660!) and Scrabble. She also loved to travel and had taken over a dozen cruises in her lifetime. Whether she was white-water rafting in the jungles of Costa Rica, visiting ancient ruins on the Greek Islands, or parasailing over the Caribbean Sea, being a world traveler fed Lorraine’s adventurous and free spirit. She took pleasure in planning many exciting and unforgettable group travel experiences for loved ones.
One of her favorite past-times was cooking for family and friends. It was just one of the many ways she expressed her love and it gave her great joy.
Always willing to lend a helping hand, Lorraine was honored by her idol Oprah Winfrey for her volunteer work building homes for Habitat for Humanity.
Lorraine fought an eight-year battle with cancer in a remarkably graceful and courageous way that amazed even her doctors so much that her story was featured in a promotional video for her cancer treatment facility. Even in the midst of her struggle, she maintained that she always felt completely blessed and would often say, “God is so good”.
Lorraine peacefully passed away due to complications of the cancer she fought so valiantly. Loved by so many, her strength, humor, generosity and all that she was, will be cherished forever. She will be sorely missed by her sister Alicia (Lisa), brothers Eglon Jr (Jimmy) and Lindon (Pete); son Jermaine and his wife Nui; grandchildren Jevon, Laelle and Brooklyn; great-grandson Jevon Jr.; great-nephew Myles; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a small memorial service with just a few family members will be held on Saturday, May 2 at 3:00.
I know Heaven’s Gates have opened as wide as can be for you. You have always been my Wonder Woman and like all great super heroes you will forever live in the hearts and minds of those you have touched!
Forever your son
Jermaine V. Harris
So much more than a sister, you’ve been my best friend. It will not be the same without you Sissy, but I rest in knowing that you are enfolded in God’s loving embrace. Thank you for all that you have been to our family and to me. I adore you and will miss you always!
My love forever,
Lisa
Our condolences to the family
Lorraine, you were a special sister-in-law in so many ways. I have so many happy memories of my visits to Net York and Georgia and I’m very glad I was able to cruise with you in our family reunion that you willingly organized. You lived a beautiful life except for the illness. You will be forever be in my heart. May your soul Rest In Peace.
Martha Works
Thank you Lisa and Jimmy and Her Dearest Son. God Loves 💕 you and so do I.
My condolences to your family .
RIP Lorraine 🙏
Our Father called her home and now she wears the wings of an Angel.
You were always willing to help me to grow in so many ways. Thank you for reminding me to always stand tall, and no matter what the world may throw my way to take it on with confidence, determination and class. I will cherish our time together and I will eagerly anticipate our “rematch”. Until then, rest well my beloved auntie.
you are a sister to me .I cherish every moment we spend together as a family ,you inspired me and encouraged me .you’re always there for anyone who needed you, in your community and your family .you fought a great fight and now you’re called home to rest with your Heavenly Father. sleep on my sis and take your rest until we meet.
love you always
It is with a heavy heart that I light this candle with the realization that I will no longer see your smile, hear your voice or feel your presence. You have been a great influence in my life. Little did I know when I was promoted to your Assistant Manager that you would become one of my dearest, closest friends and confidant. You always had good advice after sharing your remarkable sense of humor and you were always positive regardless of the circumstances. You were a wonderful mother, sister and friend and I will truly miss you. I know that you are now resting in the arms of our Father and you will have no more pain. My condolences to Jermaine, Lisa and the entire family. May you Rest In Peace.
My love always, Winnie. ❤️🙏🏽
You are a loving beautiful woman who has helped so many..you were and still are an inspiration to me and I will treasure all the family memories…Rest in Heaven Aunti.
love you Andrew
I feel honored to write to you as you have become my sister in Christ through the strong and unconditional love you share with your sister Alicia. Little did I know that when I made friends with Alicia, she would have gifted me with this sisterly and deeply caring relationship with you and your family. Thank you so much for loving me, my husband and children as well. Even when you were ill, you took the time to travel to spend time with me getting married, starting a family and even celebrating family milestones and for that I am eternally grateful. I know that you know how much of an amazing role model you have been for me in the way you love your friends and family without conditions I feel like you have been my sister almost as much as you have been Alicia’s big sister. I am sad but comforted that you are in a better place, resting without pain and beautifully adorned In your smile. Thanks for being the big sister and role model I needed. Love forever.
Dearest Alicia & Jermaine,
I pray for peace and serenity as you celebrate the life of your loving sister and mother. Hold here tight and know she is always there with you. I love you both.
I remembered how excited and honored you were to finally meet Oprah as one of her Angels. You are now truly resting with the Angels. Love.
My big cousin who was actually only 3 years older than me. Introduced me to the Filmore East where we saw a young Pattie Labelle and the Blue bells . My piano playing and poker player extraordinaire. I remember waiting until aunt Edna left so we could sneak and have our Christmas day poker games. You will be forever missed and never forgotten.
You had such an entrprenuer mindset, I remember when you helped to organize our hot dog and tee shirt venture during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Wow, you had a vision and me and others were right there with you. We belived in you and were excited for the opportunity to be a part of this event.
I will alway cherish the memories, our talks and good times. You will be missed.
Heaven has gained an angel! Me and others will look after Licia. You can rest now.
Love
Crystal
But I am so grateful that you are resting from your labour and that for you, there is “no more pain, no more sorrow.” Rest in peace my dear sister.
The world has lost one of its brightest and most loving lights. I’ll never forget how warmly you hugged me and how overjoyed you were to see me after so many years at Auntie Merlyn’s 70th birthday party, 6 years ago. Those are hugs that I will always cherish.
I also still remember your visit to Jamaica with Jermaine when I was little, and the unicorn that you both gave me (which I had for many years!).
Thank you, for loving me so warmly, even when years went by without the gift of your hugs. I will love you forever, and I look forward to seeing you again, one sweet day.
Love,
Shayna (and family)
Dearest Lorraine,
Where do I start ? Friends are a gift from
God and through our friendship I’ve seen his love. I appreciate your help and wisdom over the years and the many
memories shared. You were a wonderful
friend and I know that you are up there shinning your light. You will always be in my heart.
Love Pam
We will always miss you until we meet again. I will always remember how much we enjoyed ourselves on the family cruise. Because of you I have an ongoing love with cruising. Cynthia will always remember your kindness and loving spirit. Rest peacefully until we meet again.
Your “Big brother” Lindon and Cynthia
“i am going to miss playing scrabble with you nana. gone too soon . love myles”
Rest peacefully until we meet again, Love you