Loraine’s life began
fifty-eight (58) years ago on
August 8th, 1946 at
Irishman Creek in
Knott County, Kentucky. She was
the fifth of nine
children born to Stephen S. and Stella
Mae (Cornett)
Pratt. Both parents and two siblings, a
sister, Anna Sue,
and a brother, Gwen Oliver, preceded her in death.
Survivors include
two sisters, Virginia Lee Everage and Elizabeth
Carrol (Dewayne)
Easter; and four brothers, Donald Keith (Shirley)
Pratt, Sidney
Wayne (Christene) Pratt, James Arvil (Diana) Pratt, and
Stephen S.
(Lorena) Pratt, Jr.
Like her brother Gwen, Loraine was born with
Down’s syndrome.
This precious
little baby grew up in a loving family and taught us
many valuable
lessons about life and love. Although she never matured
beyond childhood, the love, laughter and joy she shared has enriched
our lives beyond measure. Perhaps special people, like Gwen and
Loraine, are sent to us as messengers from above. Maybe they
are here to
remind us of all the goodness and love that was meant to be.
In earlier years, Loraine attended school on
Irishman Creek. She
stayed home after
her siblings moved on to other schools, but she
never lost her
desire to go back to school. She learned to read and
write a little
and used her skills to create valentine cards and
birthday
cards for family
members and friends. She kept a calendar and her
own birthday list
so she wouldn’t forget anyone. As soon as valentine
cards were handed
out, she started working on cards for the next
year. She would
cut, paste and copy special words and wishes. Each
card was made and
signed with love. She got in a little trouble though
when she managed
to get some postage stamps and started mailing
things on her own.
Loraine enjoyed playing with her dolls,
working puzzles and coloring
in her large
assortment of coloring books. She collected photographs
and spent a lot
of time going through all the family albums.
Every year when
the Christmas Wish Book came she spent hours
making a list -
usually 2 or 3 pages long complete with prices and
page numbers. The
Wish Book didn’t get thrown away after Christmas
either.
Christmas and birthdays were the most
important days of the year
for Loraine, as
soon as one was over, plans began for the next one.
We didn’t dare
forget the occasion because she kept track of all her
gifts and who got
them.
Like everyone else she had chores to do at
home. Although housework
wasn’t her
favorite thing to do, she was quite good at folding
clothes,
sweeping, dusting, cleaning and washing dishes. Sometimes
she was reluctant
to do the dishes, especially if she thought her little
sister, Carrol,
was trying to boss her around. Her bed was always
made and she kept
all her belongings neat and organized. She was
also very good at
helping take care of small children.
Loraine loved to
sing. She could be found throughout the day
singing and
swinging on the front porch. If she didn’t know the words
to a song - no
problem - she just listened and repeated them like an
echo.
Loraine always enjoyed family activities.
Holidays and get togethers
were special days
and she liked going places, including the
circus, the zoo,
picnics and even shopping. She saved her money and
made big plans to
spend it. She especially liked attending church.
There, she could
help sing and she always got lots of attention.
Everyone
was her friend.
Loving Loraine was easy. She loved all of us
in return, but had a
special place in
her heart for little ones. Every child in the family
was remarkably
close to her. Loraine and Gwen shared a close bond
with each other.
They enjoyed the same activities and communicated
in a special way.
Sometimes they fussed over each other’s crayons
and coloring
books and were quick to tattle on the other. Gwen called
her “Rah Rah” and
the smaller kids in the family affectionately called
her “Lit’l Rain”.
Loraine was very distressed over the tragic
loss of our parents in
1990. At that
time she went to live primarily with Don and Shirley,
and thereafter
formed a very close bond with Shirley. In recent years
Loraine’s health
declined to the point where she could no longer
participate
in the activities
she had always enjoyed. We want to remember
the fun-loving
years of her life and thank her for all that she gave
us.
Well, “Lit’l Rain” it’s time to say good-bye.
You have been a joy
and a great
blessing to this family. You’ve touched our lives and our
hearts in a very
special way. Growing up with you and Gwen has
played a big part
in shaping our lives and making us who we are
today. You taught
us compassion, empathy and the true meaning of
love. So, go on
up to Heaven now and sing for the angels. We’ll be
listening for
your echo.
CLICK
HERE TO RETURN TO OBITUARIES