Lorraine V. Alexander

Lorraine Virginia Cephas-Alexander, beloved daughter of the late Bessie Taylor and John Cephas Sr. was born May 2, 1928 in Northumberland Virginia. Lorraine affectionately known as “Rai n” departed this life on Saturday, October 25, 2014, following an illness. She was preceded in death by her husband David Pressley Alexander, brothers Bernard Taylor and John Cephas, son David L. Alexander and grandsons Darrell Alexander and Craig Hunter. Lorraine received her education in the Virginia public school system. After high school she worked at the Sheraton Hotel and at the Bugle Laundry. Lorraine was united in marriage to the late David Pressley Alexander on Valentine's Day. From this union came one son David and three daughters Deanna, Deborah and Denise. Lorraine was deeply loved by her family and friends. She was a loving wife and mother and doting grandmother. She was a homemaker with a passion for cooking. Early on, she sold dinners out of her home. Later, she would cook lavish spreads for family and friends during the holidays and for special occasions. She was known for her homemade ice cream, cakes and pies as well as her famous macaroni and cheese. She was an excellent cook! Lorraine was a nurse and caretaker to her younger brother the late Bernard Taylor. She lovingly cared for him for most of his adult life. After raising her children, she took care of all of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and everyone else's children. Her grandchildren loved to spend summer vacations at “Grandma's house. Held in high regard, she would affect affectionately be called “Grandma” by many. She had a loving spirit that adults and children were naturally drawn to. Lorraine was spirited, kind and nurturing person who loved to dance and have a good time. She loved music and loved to sing. She enjoyed taking trips to Atlantic City, cruising around the Caribbean and was especially fond of her dog, “Missy”. She had a fondness for the lottery and never missed a drawing. She had a wonderful sense of humor and would often make people laugh with her sharp wit. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. She is survived by her daughters Deanna Alexander, Deborah Coley and Denise Lofton-Williams; son-in-law Milton Coley; daughter-in-law Barbara Alexander; 6 grandchildren David Alexander, Tangie Veney, Raquel Jefferson, Randolph Jr. (Randy) and Devon Chilson and Teacha Sedgwick; 18 great-grandchildren Arielle and Alexis Alexander, Shanea King-Roberson, Kyle Smith, Ashleigh Adriaan, Jorden and Errin Veney, Steed Jr. and Tyler Jefferson, Randolph III (lil Randy), Monet, Aaron and Shawnee Chilson, Justin, Keiera and Aiden Sedgwick and Craig Marquis Hunter; 1 great-great grandchild Eva Chilson; nieces and nephews Delores Cofield, Evelyn, Thelma and Walter McGlone, Patricia McGlone-Artis, Hormeathia and Tyrone Wolfe and Rene Powell; extended family Charlene, Farrah, Randolph Sr., Judy, Steed Sr., Fred and Larry and her best friend Ms. Ethel. Also left to cherish her memory are a host of other family, friends and neighbors who will miss her greatly.

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Lorraine V. Alexander

May 2, 1928 - October 25, 2014