Lorraine (Aka: Rainee) Helen Stevens

Lorraine (aka: Rainee) Helen Stevens, 90, passed away suddenly at her home in Lynchburg, VA, on Sunday, September 17, 2023. She was the loving mother of 5, grandmother of 6, great grandmother of 27, great-great grandmother of 2. Born to Daniel D. Stevens and Ruth Headley Stevens of Franklin, NJ on September 6, 1933. She was a life-long “Franklin Girl” at heart. Lorraine graduated from Franklin High School, and was a medical transcriber in many hospitals in New Jersey, Louisiana, and Virginia. Rainee had many friends, spoke vigorously on many subjects, loved piano, art, genealogy and reminiscing of family gatherings. 

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, Dan 1988/Ruth 2001; sister, Ella Stephens 1993, and special Aunt Mary Headley Uszenski 2013, dear friends, Betty Allen and Dr. Gertrude Clark as well as her first husband, F. Wilbur (aka, Lem) Blackford. 

She is survived by her younger siblings: brother, Daniel David Stevens (wife Connie), Sussex, NJ and sister Dale (husband Henry) Bley, Punta Gorda, FL, along with her childhood friend, Betty Aumick, a dear friend from VA, Linda Thomas, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as special cousins who often called/visited, Melissa Headley Smith and Pete and Jodi Headley. 

She will be deeply missed by her sons in Virginia; Kevin Blackford, Dayton Blackford (wife Joni), Steve Blackford, William Blackford, and daughter Linda (husband Don) Colbert, Monroe, LA, along with her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. 

A celebration of life will be held in Virginia and New Jersey. Memorial services on Friday, September 29 from 7-8pm, are being arranged by her family at The McGurk House, 2425 Tate Springs Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24501. Grave-site cremains service will be held at 11:00am, October 13 at North Hardyson Cemetery, Franklin, NJ 07416. 

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.