Lorraine Rayburn Abernathy

1936 - 2023

BORN

1936

DIED

2023

Lorraine Abernathy Obituary

Name: Service for Lorraine Rayburn Abernathy
Start: 2023-04-23T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Second Presbyterian Church

ABERNATHY, Mrs. Lorraine Rayburn, 87, passed away on April 18, 2023, in Richmond, Va. She was born in Columbia, Tenn., to the late Thomas Monroe Rayburn and Ada Hardin Dudley Rayburn. As the eldest of five children, she seemed destined to become the kind of kindergarten teacher you never forget, as well as a mentor to new teachers for over 33 years, mostly in Chesterfield County Public Schools.

She is survived by her three daughters, Claire Abernathy Buie (Craig), Melissa Abernathy and Alison Abernathy, two grandchildren, Sarah and Jack Buie; as well as three sisters, Donna Hamilton, Jane Eve Rayburn and Judy Andrews; and many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Southwestern at Memphis (Rhodes College) with a B.A. in English literature, she moved to Richmond as an editor for John Knox Press, where she met and soon married her husband of nearly 40 years, the late Thomas Jackson (Jack) Abernathy Jr. She loved his Abernathy and Glenn family as much as her own Rayburns and Dudleys.

She relished finding connections and learning other peoples' stories and kept friends and family knit closely together through lively conversation, shared experiences and regular email.

Lorraine loved reading, following the news and cheering on her Tar Heels. She was an active lifelong member, Sunday School teacher and elder in several Presbyterian congregations and loved a good theological discussion. Her faith sustained her through health challenges and she led an active, stimulating and independent life to the very end.

Her life will be celebrated in a worship service at Second Presbyterian Church, 5 North 5th St., on Sunday, April 23, at 3 p.m., with a livestream option available at 2presrichmond.org. In lieu of flowers, she would be honored by donations to her favorite causes, Rhodes College or Second Presbyterian Church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Apr. 21, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Lorraine Abernathy

11 Entries

Amy House

April 24, 2023

So sorry to hear about your mother, Claire. What a nice obituary of her life!
love,
Amy and Steve

Wendy Williams

April 24, 2023

A wonderful, smart and witty lady who was my son's kindergarten teacher at J.B. Watkins. I was her room mother that year. As a thank you gift she gave me this pewter dogwood ornament with "Mrs. A" written on the back. It has been on my bulletin board where I see it everyday. She recognized that Jake was going to need extra help for reading. A highlight of the last time I saw her was telling he Jake graduated from Trinity Episcopal School and that he was going to Clemson. He is now 35. She cared so much about her students. I know you are proud to be one of her daughters.

Lisa Mays Benedetti

April 23, 2023

Absolutely one of the sweetest souls. I have such great memories of James River and being in her kindergarten class & beyond. She always made everyone feel so special. Much love to Claire, Melissa & Allison. What a joy and honor to have known her. Fly high Mrs Abernathy. I will never forget you!

Harriette Will

April 23, 2023

Dear Claire, Melissa and Alison,
Erwin and I are saddened by your dear mother´s death. Lorraine was one of the longtime neighbors who graciously welcomed me into the Willway family when I was newly married to Erwin. We immediately hit it off because I was from Memphis and had the highest regard for Southwestern, as it was called in my day. Lorraine always had a smile on her face and a cheerful greeting. Know that we are thinking of you. All with love and deepest sympathy.
Harriette Will

Elaine Beard

April 22, 2023

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Kathy Painter Gauldin

April 22, 2023

Mrs. Abernathy was one of my favorite teachers. Since kindergarten in 1980 she has always been in my heart and memory. She will truly be missed.

Lauren Nardone Carollo

April 21, 2023

Mrs. Abernathy was one of those people that was so special she just stays with you. She stayed with me since 1988. During the pandemic, I found myself teaching my own Kindergartener a trick she taught me for greater than/less than. I decided to track down her address and send her a thank you note. Her response will be something I cherish forever. Rest In Peace, Mrs. A.

Martha Smith

April 21, 2023

What a lovely lady, kind coworker, and fabulous teacher. Her students were some of the luckiest. I was honored to work with her at JBW and teach her previous students as they became first graders. They all carried a little bit of Mrs. Abernathy in them. Her laughter in the halls made everyone smile. Lorraine was a blessing to this crazy world.

Lauren Brown

April 21, 2023

She was one in a million and leaves a huge gap in our world. I couldn´t have asked for a better mentor and educator. Godspeed.
Lauren DeLaurentis Brown

Hannah Coltrain

April 21, 2023

Lorraine and Jack will forever be embedded in my mind as two of my favorite people from my days growing up in Grace Covenant Presbyterian. She was very kind and even us "kids" found her relatable and easy to talk to. My most heartfelt and sincere condolences to the family.