Lorraine Carol Anderson

Lorraine Carol Anderson, a beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and cousin, age 68, of Merced, CA, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 23rd after a courageous, one-year battle with lung cancer. She taught those of us around her what it looks like to live bravely, with love and a smile. She was known for her devout faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her love for her four children: Vanessa, Robert, Michael, and Jesseca.

Lorraine was born on January 20th, 1956, in San Fernando, CA and is the oldest daughter of Dorothy Oldham and Vernon Smiley. As a Buck Sgt (E-5), Lorraine was respected by her peers in the United States Air Force. It was during her decade of service in the military that she gave birth to her four children who would become her prides and joys. During her service, Lorraine was stationed at Dyes Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas; RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk England, and Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, CA.

It was her time in the United States Air Force that Lorraine began her close relationship with God. She became a member of a Baptist church in the small village of Lakenheath, Suffolk, England. There, she ensured to take her daughter Vanessa to church in the village every Sunday for services and built loving relationships with other members.

Lorraine was active in her Christian community and family, working with Women of Love Ministries to share her faith with others. She would often visit women’s correctional facilities to provide spiritual support. To those directly around her, neighbors and friends, Lorraine held a warm and caring nature that left an undeniable mark. Her empathy and love have inspired others to provide the same.

Lorraine’s caring nature overflowed to even the stray cats in her neighborhood. She sheltered several cats providing a safe haven for the felines within her home. If Lorraine could not take care of a kitten, she would go out of her way to ensure to find a no-kill animal shelter to care for the cat and adopt them out.

Lorraine was proceeded in death by her mother Dorothy Oldham, father Vernon Smiley, brother Richard Witter, brother Martin Witter, son Robert Anderson, son Michael Anderson. Lorraine is survived by her oldest child, Vanessa; her youngest child, Jesseca; and her grandsons, Carter and Max.

A small funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7th at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. To send flowers to the family during the service, please contact the funeral home.