Lorraine Sylvia Jackson was born in Rochester, New York on October 6, 1956, and passed away on April 22, 2020 at her home in Winston-Salem, NC.

Lorraine was one of seven kids born to Lillian Simmons (Brooks) and Robert Thomas Simmons, Sr. As a young girl she loved dancing and she had fond memories of being a part of the Garth Fagan Dance company. She graduated from Charlotte High School in Rochester in 1975, and started her professional career working at Kodak. It was there that she met Elwyn "Tory" Jackson, who was her beloved husband for 36 years. Their union produced three kids, Tia, Isaiah, and Ashley who she loved with every fiber of her being. Lorraine and family moved from Rochester to New Jersey where she lived for 20 years, prior to moving to North Carolina in 2007.

Lorraine received a Bachelor of Theology degree from Lighthouse Christian College in 2001, and became an ordained minister through Without Walls Christian Ministries in 2006. She was enthusiastic in her faith, leading praise and worship services for many years, and serving as a prayer warrior for her family and community for decades. In addition to staying active in ministry, she held professional roles at Merrill Lynch, Bristol Meyer Squibb, and Wake Forest Medical Center. She also showcased her entrepreneurial skills, by co-founding a women's shoe boutique, Ladies First Shoes, in Winston-Salem.

Lorraine was full of life, and was as vibrant as her favorite color (yellow). She was quick to flash a smile, always willing to share her love, and eager to provide an encouraging word and assistance to those in need. She enjoyed attending jazz festivals, volunteering at Black Film Festivals, mentoring young women at her church, hanging with her girls, spending time outdoors, and taking beach vacations with her family.

Her favorite holiday was Christmas, as it brought her absolute joy to search for the perfect gift for each family member. She would take notes all year long in order to pinpoint the most wanted and unexpected gifts. The thrill of delighting her loved ones never wore off. She would regularly spread love and joy using her talent in the kitchen. Her delicious cakes, pies, peach cobblers, banana puddings, and gumbo made her home a popular gathering spot for family, neighbors, and friends. She lived. She loved. She laughed.

Lorraine is survived by her husband, "Tory" Jackson; children, Isaiah Jackson, Ashley Jackson, and Tia (David) Harley; grandchildren, Jackson and Nala; mother-in-law, Nzinga Lee Duncan; sisters, Velda Simmons, Renaye Simmons, and Regina Simmons; brothers, Robert Simmons, Jr. and Richard Simmons; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert T Simmons,Sr.; mother, Lillian Simmons; and sister, Deborah Simmons.

A life so beautifully lived, deserves to be celebrated. Therefore, a memorial service celebrating Lorraine's life will be held in Winston-Salem, NC on her birthday weekend, in October 2020.