Lorine Blocker

Lorine Blocker was born November 23, 1939 in Columbus, Mississippi, the daughter of the late Gertrude Dial and Jerry King. She was educated in the Mississippi public schools. Moving to New York in the late 1950's she settled in Harlem and met and married John Blocker. As the family grew they eventually moved to Brooklyn, raising 7 children and then relocated to the South Bronx and the early 70's. Life was not easy but through God's grace they purchase a home and moved to Freeport, New York. Shortly after, she open her home to any child in need and became known and loved in the community as "Sweet Lorraine". People always admired and wondered how she did it. Many times they would ask "What's your profession?" She would respond" I'm a professional butt wiper". Proud she was. She Everyone in stitches with her jokes and unique ways. Hands on the hips-you knew what time it was. "Child, get your butt in bed; get in it or get under it". Then she would give you that silent look that would make you want to go take a nap because you knew Sweet Lorraine was about to set it off. One of the things she would tell her children as "If it's the Lord's will, I'll get it tomorrow". Tomorrow would sometimes turn into next week, next month, or, "don't ask me again". We knew that she was a power to be reckoned with. Sweet Lorraine became a mother to many, eventually being a foster mother to over twenty kids and adopted mother to seven children. She received many awards and accolades for her tireless efforts in meeting the needs of children. She received an award signed by former Gov.Cuomo of New York for her devotion, commitment, and love of children. She also received many awards from the Catholic Guardian Society of New York City and was also involved in the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation of New York City. The greatest reward of all was to know that she made a different in the lives of so many children. As she lay in her hospital bed and her last days, her structure to her family were that they never forget to take care of the children. Sweet Lorraine was the personification of what unconditional love truly is and does. She will be missed and loved forever. Mrs. Blocker was preceded in death by her husband John Blocker, sister Lovie Mae Wicks, three brothers Clifford and Isaac Wicks, and Walter Hairston. She leaves to cherish and embrace their memory ten children; Willie King of Utah, Mary Pastures of New York, James Blocker(Sharon)Valorie Rollerson(Nolan)of New York,Earlisa Byrd (Nathaniel), Brenda Blocker, Florinda Blocker,Naikka McClain and Shondia Bailey of New york,Tiara Bailey;seven adopted children,Rontanette,Hakim,Jamar(LaToya),Alvin,Donnell,Derrell and Justine Blocker;she was also a mother to Darrell Moore and Marnez Trotter. Rejoicing also in her homegoing, she leaves to mourn her passing her sister Mary Ann Gasper of Florida, brother; Fred Wicks(Missouri), sisters -in-law; Francis Scott(New York) and Birdie Wicks (Florida),41 grandchildren,9 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends; special among them is her goddaughter Lovie Oglesby.

Tributes

Lorine Blocker

November 23, 1939 - June 4, 2012