Lorraine Cunningham Phifer

Lorraine Cunningham Phifer, age 93, of Marshville, NC passed away on Thursday, September 9, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 14, 1927 in Monroe, NC to the late E.G. Cunningham and Loma Helms Cunningham. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband of 69 years, L.T. Phifer; one sister, Annie Vaughn Cunningham; one brother-in-law, Arnold W. Smith; and one son-in-law, Lanny E. Simpson.

Lorraine graduated from Unionville High School in 1945. After graduating, she worked at Southern Bell Telephone Company in Charlotte, NC for several years. She also worked at the Union County Agricultural Extension Office as a Food and Nutrition Educator for eleven years. She was a wonderful cook that loved to share her favorite recipes with family and friends. Lorraine loved the Lord, and always set a Christian example for her family to follow. She was a member of Austin Grove Baptist Church for 50 years. She spent many years teaching, singing in the choir, and serving in their WMU ministry. Lorraine was a caregiver, who loved taking care of her family, and was constantly putting their needs before her own. She will always be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother who put God and family first.

Those left to cherish Lorraine's memory include her sister, Dollie C. Smith; her three children, Reid (Sandy) Phifer of Marshville, Jann Simpson of Monroe and Allison (Rick) Duncan of Monroe; five wonderful grandchildren, Suzanne (Barry) Baucom, Mandy Phifer, Chad (Jennifer) Simpson, Lorna (Zach) Soderblom, Tori Duncan and Ava Duncan; four adoring great-grandchildren, Bryson Baucom, Lawson Simpson, London Simpson and Waylon Soderblom.

The family has requested open hours for friends from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm Sunday, September 12, 2021 at McEwen Funeral Home of Monroe to sign the register book and pay their respects. The family will not be present due to safety precautions. A private family graveside service will be held at Austin Grove Baptist Church in Marshville, NC.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the caring staff of Hillcrest Rest Home, Jesse Helms Center of Monroe and Hospice of Union County. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Austin Grove Baptist Church, 5919 Austin Grove Church Road, Marshville, NC 28103. McEwen Funeral Home of Monroe is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Lorraine Cunningham Phifer.