Lorraine C Bell

Lorraine C. Bell was born May 23, 1931, to William and Mildred Bennett in Baltimore, MD.  She is the youngest of two children.  She was educated in Baltimore City Public Schools and graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. She was one of the first African Americans to graduate from the University of Maryland Hospital School of Radiation Technicians. After graduation, she worked as an x-ray technician for thirty years at several state hospitals. She retired from Spring Grove Hospital Center in 1986.

She was baptized into the Catholic faith at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. She spent many years faithfully serving the Lord through her works at St. Francis Xavier.  Lorraine was a long-term member of the Ladies Sodality where she served as Perfect for two terms.  She chaired the annual fashion show, co-chaired the annual retreat and helped with the bi-annual bake sales. She was also a member of the Legion of Mary, the Angel Tree committee, and the Parish Council.

One of Lorraine’s greatest past times was reading. Her love of books led her to volunteer at the Enoch Pratt Free Library where she trained teachers for the literacy program.  She always emphasized the importance of helping these adult students maintain self-esteem and dignity while learning to read.

Lorraine continued to be actively involved with senior activities at the Weinberg YMCA until her recent decline. She coordinated activities such as splash parties, dinner theatres, picnics, day travel, plays and health programs.  She also delivered fresh vegetables and foods for Thanksgiving to those members that were sick and shut in. The senior group also crocheted hats and scarves to take to nursing homes, donate to homeless shelters, the Angel Tree and other non-profit organizations.

Lorraine’s greatest love was the love of God and family.  She spent many years caring for her elderly parents before their deaths.  She was also the matriarch support for her nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews, and her God daughter Lachelle.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband, parents William and Mildred Bennett, brother Reginald Bennett, Sr. (Shirley), beloved niece and nephew, Carolyn Banks and Reginald Bennett, Jr.  She leaves to mourn one nephew Rodney Bennett (Wanda); two nieces Lynette Richardson and Regina Bennett; three God daughters Lachelle Griffin (Daryl), Sheron Banks-Stewart  and Sherri Banks; 9 great nieces and nephews: Sheron Banks-Stewart (Keith), Brian Wright, Danielle Hawley (Raphael), Sherri Banks, Andre Miles (Nikki), Erica Johnson (Dion), Kellen Mack, Tiffiny Miles and Jerrod Richardson; 9 great great nieces and nephews; and a host family members and friends.