Lorraine Turton

Lorraine was born May 18, 1950 in St. George, Barbados to the late Mrs. Ivy Wilkinson and the late Dr. Courtroy Holder. Her formative years were spent in a family consisting of a great-grandmother (whom we fondly called Ba), grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Lorraine received her secondary education at West St. Joseph High School and St. Anthony's High School, St. Michael. One day in 1969, a gentleman named John, from St. Thomas, Barbados came to St. Michael, met a lady from St. George and fell in love. Lorraine loved dancing, so it was no surprise that the two met at a mutual friend's birthday party.

They emigrated to New York and married in Brooklyn, New York on July 27, 1974. From this union two daughters were born, Niya and Tiffany. Lorraine had a love for traveling with her husband, now MSG Turton, and their two daughters. She spent 10 years in Germany and enjoyed planning and creating memorable family vacation experiences throughout Europe and Barbados.

Despite moving to and living in several states, as part of military life, Loraine took pride in establishing a loving and nurturing home wherever they were stationed. Their final family move was to Columbia, South Carolina. Life would then take her to Moncrief Hospital where she was employed as a clerk in the Family Advocacy Department for twenty three years.

Lorraine was ambitious, bold, caring, honest and God-fearing. She was a faithful member of First Northeast Baptist Church (Columbia, SC) where she was also baptized. In order to prepare herself for any task, she would focus on Psalms 31:3, ”for you are my rock and my fortress; therefore, for your name's sake lead me and guide me.” At church, she served as one of the leaders of the Marriage Enrichment Ministry. Lorraine was also called to lead the junior and senior ushers.

Lorraine is survived by her husband, John Turton; daughters, Niya Turton and Tiffany Lee; granddaughter, Nyla Turton; grandsons, Jamison and Jayden Lee; son-in-law, Dr. James Lee, Jr.; sisters, Judy Marshall, Michelle Holder, Verna Dowrich and Elizabeth Tara; and brothers, Hallam Holder, Karl Holder, Patrick Holder, and Terrence Holder; aunts, Gloria Bryan, Aldean Scantlebury, Marcia Bryan and Pamella Bryan; uncles, Burke Bryan, Devere Bryan, and many cousins. She is preceded in death by her sisters Hetty Forte and Rose Henry.