Obituary of Lorraine Smalls

Lorraine Jordan Smalls was born on August 9, 1927 to the late Boyce and Gladys Jordan in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She grew up in the Elmwood neighborhood. She was the eldest of five siblings. Sister, Thelma White and her youngest brother, Adolph Jordan who proceeded her in death and surviving sister and brother Helen Waters and Bishop Boyce Jordan Jr. Lorraine married Joseph Smalls and from that union they had two daughters Joan Bryan and Marcia Ford. They remained married until Joseph’s death in 1983. Joe always fondly referred to her as “Slim”. Lorraine Accepted Christ at an early age and attended Beulah Baptist Church, Third Christian Church and was an active member of Christian Hope Baptist Church for many years where she served on the Pastors Care Ministry and held the position of Trustee. She has always been a woman of God and became a spiritual advisor to many. She took pride in her work for the church and opened her home to those who needed shelter, clothing and food many times. Lorraine received her formal education in the Philadelphia School System and attended Bartram High School. Lorraine was employed as a welder at the Naval Shipyard during World War II and at Gay Sports Wear for many years. She also volunteered at Metropolitan Hospital where she visited and read to patients. She leaves behind to morn her daughters, Joan (Myron) Bryan and Marci (Ali) Ford, three grandchildren: Jamal Bryan, Marlo Floyd and Jason Powell. She has 10 great grandchildren, Ashley, Siaani, Gianna, Maddison, Jeremiah, Olivia, Savannah, Aaron, Ariana, and Gavin and one great grandson Xander. Three sister-in– laws, Margaret, Martha, and Iris and several nieces and nephews and cousins.