Lorraine Mae Roy

With heartfelt love and gratitude for a life well lived, the family of Lorraine Mae (Banks) Roy announces her peaceful passing on  September 28, 2025, at the age of 75.

Lorraine was born on October 20, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, at St. Luke Hospital, the beloved first child of the late Irene (Jackson) Banks and Marvin Arnett Banks. She grew up alongside her cherished siblings, Arnetta (Banks) Boulton and Marvin Banks, Jr., in the Altgeld Gardens Projects of Chicago. It was there, in the midst of life’s challenges, where Lorraine developed her strength, determination, and deep faith in God.

Lorraine’s love for education and athletics began in her early school years. She attended Carver Elementary School and William Rainey High School in Chicago, where she helped integrate the all-white Girls Athletic Association, paving the way for future generations of young black women.  She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from George Williams College in Downers Grove, Illinois, majoring in Sports and Health Education.

Lorraine’s career reflected both her professionalism and her commitment to excellence. Lorraine taught high school physical education for 10 years in the Chicago Public School District.  Later, she served as an executive secretary with Rockwell International in Orange County for five years, and with the Municipal Water District of Orange County in Fountain Valley for 10 years. In each role, she was respected for her dedication and organizational skills. She even found time to teach aerobic classes.

From an early age, Lorraine accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. After visiting her sister and her family in California, Lorraine relocated to California and joined Second Baptist Church of Santa Ana. Here, she faithfully served as a member of the Women’s  WOW Dance Team, and played an active role in the annual Easter play, “The Shadow of the Cross.” She participated in helping with church events such as the annual picnic, and she cheerfully volunteered whenever there was a need. Her joyful spirit, dedication, and willingness to serve touched many lives within her church family.

Lorraine’s greatest earthly blessing was her family. In time, the Lord brought into her life the love of her soul, Von J. Roy. 

They were married for 43 beautiful years, building a life of devotion and partnership together.  They were the proud parents of Breanna Roy and Victor Roy, both of whom brought her great joy.  Lorraine never missed an opportunity to support her children, her brother or her nieces and nephews in all of their accomplishments.  You would always see her standing in the stands cheering at Breanna’s or Victor’s track meets, Marvin's basketball games, or at numerous football games, volleyball games, gymnastics, swim, wrestling and dance competitions for her nieces and nephews. Lorraine would also take every opportunity she could to enjoy her brother Marvin and his band as they played at various venues.

Lorraine loved to travel. She and Von would take their family, including her mother to many vacation destinations such as Cabo San Lucas and Hawaii. Some of her fondest memories were when she,  Von and their children traveled with Arnetta and her husband, Sam, to Cancun, Mexico, San Francisco, among others. Lorraine's last vacation was in 2024, when she embarked on a Mexican cruise with 28 family members. 

Lorraine also enjoyed fishing and dancing. She was a great dancer. In December at her nephew's Billy's birthday party, Lorraine showed her stuff as she danced the ”Wobble" (her last dance). 

Lorraine's life was marked by perseverance, faith and a commitment to service. She touched  many through her kindness, her unshakable faith in Christ, and her willingness to give of herself. Even through illness, Lorraine will be remembered for her radiant smile, her love of family, and enduring spirit of hope.

Lorraine's family will miss her potato salad, deviled eggs, and her delicious rum cake. Her nieces and nephews jokingly compared  her to Winona, the character on the “Good Times” TV show, because she was funny, sassy and always dressed to impress. 

 Lorraine leaves behind her devoted husband, Von J. Roy, her children, Breanna and Victor, her siblings Arnetta (Samuel Sr.)  and Marvin Jr. (Cynthia), along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

                    As we celebrate Lorraine's life, we are comforted by the words of 

                                                                   2 Timothy 4:7:

                                                      “I have fought the good fight, 

                                       I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

         Her legacy of faith, courage, and love will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

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