Mrs. Lorraine Perry Felder

Lorraine Spruiel Perry Felder transitioned from her earthly home to eternity on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, in Prisma Health in Columbia, South Carolina. Born in Newport News, Virginia on February 11, 1930, she was the youngest daughter of the late James Edward Perry, Sr. and Alma Spruiel Perry. Lorraine accepted Christ as her personal savior at an early age. She was baptized in the York River in Yorktown, Virginia as a member of Colossian Baptist church in Newport News, Virginia. She attended Reservoir primary school, graduated from Morrison high school in 1948 and later completed Kee Business College in the neighboring city of Norfolk, Va. In 1950, Lorraine accepted the marriage proposal of a dashing Army Chaplain, Dr. Daniel DeLeon Felder, who was stationed at Ft. Eustis, Va. They moved to Ft. Meade, Maryland to begin their new life. Two of the couples’ six children were born at Ft. Meade. Upon her husband’s military discharge in 1954, Lorraine accompanied him to his home state of South Carolina where they set up housekeeping for fifteen years in Sumter. In 1969, Daniel accepted a United Methodist Church appointment in Hampton, Va. and they moved their six offspring so he could also work for the National Teacher’s Corps. In Virginia, Lorraine joined the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church. Never idle, Lorraine found changing from one location to another an opportunity for learning and exploring different interests from upholstering, floral arranging, teacher’s aide to stenography; these in addition to housekeeping, sewing for, and raising six children. Praise and worship music were always near and dear to her heart as she played for and organized youth and senior choirs as she moved from one appointment to another with her husband. Lorraine played piano by ear since the age of four, a gift she inherited from her father and also shared with her brother, James. Lorraine enjoyed playing piano and singing with her sisters in a group called “The Perry Sisters” at her home church in Newport News. Throughout their lives she gathered her children and grandchildren around her piano to sing hymns and give praise to the Lord as she played. Returning to Sumter in 1984, Lorraine and her husband Daniel Sr. joined Emmanuel United Methodist Church. The couple celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2000. In 2002, she traveled to Mutare, Zimbabwe, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Africa University, a Pan-African and United Methodist-related institution. In addition, she continued to work with Sunday school and vacation Bible school programs and, of course, passionately taught the next generation piano lessons from her home to contribute to their spiritual and musical growth. Lorraine was the first employee in her daughter’s dental practice and contributed faithfully for many years. Lorraine’s love for Jesus was daily demonstrated in her calm demeanor, warm smile, and "can do" spirit for the cause of Christ. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lorraine’s memory may be made in her name to: the Emmanuel United Methodist Church’s 158th Anniversary fund, Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 451 S. Main Street, Sumter, SC, 29150.

Mrs. Lorraine Perry Felder

February 11, 1930 - November 1, 2022