Lorraine L. Baptist

Lorraine Loretta Baptist, 67, affectionately known as “Rainy”, sister, aunt Rainy, god-mother, niece, cousin, neighbor and friend, made her transition peacefully, on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 in her home.  She was born on October 24, 1950 to William McKinley Baptist and Lenora Taliaferro Baptist in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Lorraine became a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, NJ at the age of 10 years old and diligently fellowshipped there for over 50 years. During her time at New Hope, Lorraine served on the Usher Board, Inspirational Choir and in the Media Department, which was her pride and joy.  In recent years, Lorraine became a member of Cross and Crown Christian Church (C4) where she fellowshipped under the spiritual guidance of Pastor Lula Baker.

She was raised along with her only sister, Lillian, in Newark, NJ where she attended Newark Public Schools which included, Miller Street Elementary School and South Side High School. Over the years, Lorraine was employed at The Rag Shop, Kmart and Staples, all of which allowed her the flexibility of using her skills, experience and eye for creativity.

Lorraine was extremely talented in many areas. She truly enjoyed baking and being creative whenever an opportunity presented itself. However, Lorraine’s passion and life’s work was fashion design and sewing.  She was entrusted with creating garments for countless individuals and families for their most important events and milestones, such as weddings, Baptisms, Sweet 16 Celebrations, Christenings, Bar mitzvahs, Fashion Shows and Graduations, just to name a few.

Lorraine took great pride in her work and could often be found (sometimes with her two nieces in tow) hand sewing beads, one by one, on garments for hours and sometimes days on end.  The items Lorraine designed and created were uniquely beautiful, one of a kind, and tailored specifically and lovingly for the receiver.  For Lorraine, the energy she put into each item was a labor of love, no matter how arduous the task. In addition to sewing, Lorraine enjoyed staying informed on current events, reading and watching television.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her father, William M. Baptist; mother, Lenora T. Baptist; and nephew, William J. Smallwood.

She leaves to cherish her memory one sister, Lillian Avena of Newark, NJ; two nieces, Dawn and Dana Smallwood both of Newark, NJ, three uncles, George (Mary), Ellis (Amy), and Ivory Taliaferro; four aunts, Gloria Lumford, Margaret Hoffman, Maudestein Taliaferro, and Plunard Robinson (Mason); one god-son, Dwight Malone; and special friends, Melissa Amin, and Vickie Cox.

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