Lorraine Amelia Whitman, 90, died peacefully in her sleep on May 31, 2017 at Regents Park in Jacksonville, Florida. Lorraine was born June 13, 1926 in Blakely, Pennsylvania, the daughter of William Chambers and Mary Elizabeth White Chambers. She spent her childhood on the family farm in Chinchilla with her three siblings, the late Tennyson Lee, Clarence John, and Jeanne Elizabeth Chambers (Tannler). Lorraine graduated from Clarks Summit High School before joining the workforce.
In 1945, she met the love of her life, Warren E. “Whit” Whitman, upon his return from serving in the Naval Air Force during World War II. They were married September 20, 1947 in Scranton and raised two beautiful daughters, Karen Laraine and Donna Elizabeth. Lorraine and Warren were inseparable; best friends who were blessed to spend 63 wonderful years together before his death in 2010.
In her career, she was employed by Scranton Dry Goods, Lackawanna Dress Factory, and Bonacci’s Dress Factory, among others, but retired from the credit office at the Globe Store upon the store’s closing. She had a knack for customer service, and relished getting to know people and making conversation. Her second and more rewarding career was in childcare, acting as full-time nanny to her three grandchildren as little ones.
An active member of the former Simpson United Methodist Church, Lorraine enjoyed working in the children’s ministry, participating in women’s group activities, singing alto in the choir, and playing in the bell choir. Music was a staple in her household and she loved listening to her big bands, old hymns, and classical favorites. The Whitmans encouraged a deep love of music in their children and grandchildren, most of whom play instruments and sing.
Lorraine’s strong opinions and spunky personality were matched only by her love of the Lord. Both she and Whit strove to model a living and active faith for their family. She was a loving wife, daughter, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Faith and family were of utmost importance and she was loved and cherished by all that knew her.
Surviving are her two beloved daughters, Karen L. and husband, Robert J. Taylor, Jacksonville, Fla.; and Donna E. and husband, Gerald F. Shumbris, The Villages, Fla.; three grandchildren, Corey W. Taylor; Mindi L. and husband, Barry Kelly, Jacksonville, Fla.; and Matthew F. Shumbris and partner Rachel Webb, Kingston; two great-grandchildren, Emma A. Shumbris and Patrick A. Kelly; two step-great-grandchildren, Hannah and Mason Shumbris; a sister-in-law, Opal Chambers, Salem, Ore.; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral service Tuesday at 11 a.m., at Vanston and James Funeral Home, 1401 Ash Street, Scranton.
Family and friends may call Monday, 4 to 7 p.m.
Interment, Abington Hills Cemetery, Morgan Highway, Clarks Summit.
To share a memory or to leave your condolences please visit www.vanstonandjames.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under the care and direction of Robert C. Jones, funeral director.
Diane Kreitner Philbin
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you,the family,at the loss of your mother. I have many fond memories of Lorraine. She was a beautiful lady.
With my deepest sympathy,
Eleanor Whitman
So sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed meeting up with Lorraine and Warren at Gymanfas at 1st Welsh Baptist.
JackieMorgan
Dear Karen,
I am so sorry about your mother . I know this is going to sound so odd but last Wed I was driving down Sumner Ave and when I passed your house all I could think about was your mother. When I saw the paper today I couldnt believe my eyes. She mustve been on her way to heaven and passed by the house while I was there. She is now with her beloved Walt that adored her. I loved her. Such a sweet woman. I am so sorry that I couldnt make the viewing. I just read the paper today because I was out of town with my husband. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer and we were at the doctors in Phila. I hope you are enjoying your new home. I read that she went in her sleep. Thats beautiful Jackie Morgan