On Friday, June 9, 2023, Lorraine Ragin, a beloved mother, passed away at Christiana Hospital in Newark, DE. She was 76. Lorraine was born on September 16, 1946 in Queens, NY to Mary M. Nathaniel-Ragin and William H. Ragin, Sr. She was the fifth of six children: Betty Baker, Dorothy Ragin-Suddler, Yvonne Brockenbaugh, William H. Ragin, Jr., and Michael Ragin.
Although she was born in Queens, Lorraine spent most of her early life in the Bronx, graduating from Walton High School, an all girls school with a rigorous academic program. It was at Walton High School where she formed longstanding and lifelong friendships with like-minded, progressive young ladies like herself. In fact, she became the instigator and leader of these friends when forming the Delpaladies social club. The Delpaladies developed their activities and events focused on Salsa dancing at the Palladium in Manhattan, NY.
Shortly after her high school graduation, Lorraine met Ernest M. Littles, whom she married in 1965. From this union came three children: Lisa Dawn Littles, Sean Semar Littles, and Arron (Ari) Blair Littles. Although this marriage had been filled with love, it unfortunately ended in divorce in 1982. While raising three children, Lorraine was able to complete her education at Lehman College graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. At age 43, Lorraine launched her entrepreneurial career incorporating Computer Workbench LLC, which she ran successfully until she retired at age 62.
Lorraine enjoyed cooking and hosting for the holidays. She also enjoyed a good cookout with family. Her favorite pastime was going to the casino. She was a frequent player at Atlantic City, Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun, and Las Vegas. As a big lover of family, she looked forward to our annual family reunions.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her father, William H. Ragin, Sr., mother, Mary M. Nathaniel-Ragin, sisters, Betty Baker, Dorothy Ragin-Suddler, and Yvonne Brockenbaugh, brothers, William H. Ragin, Jr., and Michael Ragin, and son, Sean S. Littles. Lorraine is survived by her children, Lisa D. Littles and Arron B. Littles, grandchildren, Crystal Medley, Vance Barnes (Martha), Blair Barnes, Mariah Rivera, Tyliese Littles, Trinity Gee, great-grandchildren, Aidan, Ramya, Dresiya, Jordan, Relani, and Kamryn, and special bonus great-grandchild, Presley (PJ), and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.
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