In Loving Memory of Lorraine B. Harris

Lorraine Beatrice Harris was born December 2, 1924, in East Saint Louis, Illinois to the late Henry and Virginia Benson. She was the fifth out of fourteen children. Graduating from Vashon High School in East Saint Louis, she continued her education and attended Stowe Teachers College in Saint Louis, Missouri, Auerswald’s Business University and Seattle Community College in Seattle, Washington. Lorraine migrated to Seattle, Washington, in 1943 and was employed with Boeing Airplane Company for 31 years before she retired. She also worked as Program Assistance for Washington State University Extension Program, Office Manager at Garfield High School, and served in the Registrar’s Office at Seattle Community College. She also served as the President of the Seattle Association of Club Women. She was married to the late Leon Curvey. She had two sons, Byron Curvey and Gordon Curvey. Many years later she was married to the late Bert Louis Harris for 38 years. Lorraine united with Mount Zion Baptist Church in 1947 and remained a loyal member for 75 years. She received her Parliamentary training in the Premium Toastmistress Club which prepared her to serve as Parliamentarian, President and Executive Board member of the Women’s Ministry, and leader of Rebecca Circle. Additionally, she was part of the United Usher Board Ministry, a member of the History and Archives Ministry, and an officer with the North Pacific Baptist Convention Women’s Department. She was devoted to serving in her Masonic and Fraternal Affiliations. She was initiated into Jephthah Chapter #8 Order of Eastern Star in 1954. She was elected to Grand Lecturer twice, and then to the highest position of Grand Worthy Matron. Lorraine also was Grand Historian and Grand Life member of the Eastern Stars. In addition, she served as the Recording Secretary for the National Eastern Stars. Other Fraternal memberships were: Northwestern Assembly #45 Order of Golden Circle, and Sarah W. Dupee Court #1 Heroines of Jericho. Creation into Beni Hassan Court #45 Daughters of Isis in 1965 in Seattle and after serving in all stations she advanced to Illustrious Commandress in 1978. She also served as Imperial Deputy for the Desert of Washington. In 2009, the Imperial Court elected her to the Honorary Past Imperial Commandress position. In her younger years, Lorraine loved playing softball. Throughout her life she enjoyed traveling, dancing, reading, writing, and entertaining. She is preceded in death by her parents Henry and Virginia Benson, and her siblings Virginia Triplett, Lucille Morgan, Mary Crews, Annie Woodruff, Rosie Richardson, Bunice Benson, Robert Benson, Blondell Turner, Joseph Benson, Cleastrice Barnes, James Benson, and John Benson. Lorraine leaves to cherish her memories and home-going two sons, Byron Curvey (Joan Curvey) and Gordon Curvey; three grandchildren, Kevin Preston-Curvey, Lesa Curvey, and Shannon Curvey (Shemika Curvey); one great-grandson, Xavior Curvey Harris; two step-grandsons, Tijan and Rashad Hydara and their mother Surina Roach; one beloved living sister Alberta Ross, as well as many other family members and friends.