Lorraine Ermatena Handy

The Life of Lorraine E. Handy Lorraine E. Handy, at the age of seventy-seven (77), passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025 surrounded by family at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, Maryland. Lorraine was born in Callao, Virginia to the late James "Puff" Jackson and Lottie Brown. She received her education in Northumberland County Public Schools, where she was an active participant in both gymnastics and basketball. She often shared fond memories of her childhood, recalling the many adventures she and her sisters enjoyed together. As a young adult, family trips to the Eastern Shore of Maryland were a cherished tradition, visiting her beloved sister-in-love, Margaret Reed, and nieces Shirley, Rose, Gloria, and Barbara. It was during these memorable visits that she met her future husband, Donald Handy. Lorraine's diligent work ethic was evident throughout her life, as she held various positions with dedication. Her career included roles as: a seafood processor for Bevans Oyster Company in Kinsale, Virginia; a production line worker for South Tech Industries in Tappahannock, Virginia; a janitorial worker at Centreville Middle School in Centreville, Maryland; and a production worker for Dynasplint in Stevensville, Maryland. Her deep faith was evident in her joyful service to the church. When her children were young, she passionately directed the youth choir, the "Voices of Hope," at Lively Hope Baptist Church in Callao, VA. She cherished her time with the youth, leading them as they traveled throughout the Northern Neck, sharing their voices in song and praise. Many former "Voices of Hope" members fondly recall those days as some of the best in their lives, speaking to the lasting impact Lorraine had on them. Her commitment to her faith extended to her dedicated service as President of the Usher Board at Bryan's United Methodist Church. Lorraine was incredibly proud to be an usher, embracing the vital role of welcoming each parishioner with a warm smile and a ready hug as they entered the Lord's house. A true lover of all things bright and growing, her passion for flowers was only surpassed by the boundless love she held for her children and family. They were the sunshine that made her garden, and her life, truly flourish. Her legacy bloomed not just in the exquisite plants she lovingly tended, but in the hearts of the ones she touched. Every petal, every leaf, whispered of her devotion to beauty, while every shared meal and treasured memory spoke volumes of the profound love she invested in those she held most dear. Her world was a testament to the power of nurture, both for the vibrant flora around her and the flourishing lives of her loved ones. Holiday meals were a highlight, a true labor of love where her joy came from nourishing her family, especially the boys. She poured her heart into every dish, finding immense satisfaction in gathering everyone around the table and seeing them well-fed and happy. She had an immeasurable love for her grand and great grandchildren, a bond that brought her and them immense happiness. She will be missed beyond measure, but her memory will forever be a source of comfort and inspiration. Lorraine is survived by: her husband, Donald Handy; one sister, Etta Johnson; her sons, Francis “Skip” Cooper and Andre (Shawn) Cooper; daughters, Quinetta Handy and Veronica “Peaches” (Kevin) Brummell; bonus children, Joseph (Theresa) Fulcher, Jr., Mike (Dorine) Fassett, Joetta (Rickey) Green, Donald (Angie) Handy, Jr., Shelton (Crystal) Handy, and Cameron Handy; nine grandchildren, Andrea, Candance, Dejon, Kendrick, Franchelle, Janae, Shannon, DeShea, and Trushun, Jr.; seventeen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by: her parents, James and Lottie Jackson; her brother, “Bubba” George Johnson; her sister, Earlie Mae Jackson and husband Joseph Fulcher. Submitted With Love, The Family

Lorraine Ermatena Handy

May 20, 1948 - May 25, 2025