Obituary of Lorraine R. Merrick

Lorraine R. Merrick (Wells), 78, of Syracuse, New York, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 20th, 2016. Born in Syracuse, New York, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Dorothy (Copes) Wells. She is predeceased by a sister, Dorine E. Wells. Survivors include her son, James A. Merrick Jr, three grandsons, Jamie C., Jie and Jahsir; sisters, Judith M. Brooks of Syracuse, New York, and Elaine F. Malone (Thomas) of Manchester, Tennessee; two aunts, eight nieces and nephews, several great grandnieces and grandnephews, cousins, friends, and sorority sisters. Lorraine received a Bachelor's degree at Cheney State Teachers College in Cheney, Pennsylvania; Master's Degree in Administration and 90 advanced courses toward a Doctorate degree from Syracuse University. Lorraine began her career in Education with the Syracuse City School District in 1959 as a 4th grade Teacher at the Danforth Elementary School. Opportunities advanced to Instructional Specialist, Principal and Executive Deputy Superintendent for Instruction. 1988 Lorraine became the Assistant Commissioner for General and Occupational Education for the NY State Education Department. She retired from the NY State Education Department. Following her retirement Lorraine accepted a position in the Texas State Education Department as the State's Assistant Commissioner. During Lorraine's employment career she devoted her time to volunteer at many community agencies such as Dunbar Center, Meals on Wheels, organizing the food drive at St. Alban's to benefit a local Food Pantry. She served on multiple boards for Syracuse resource agencies and groups that support; educational, physical and mental health services, recreational, occupational and social justice. Lorraine held membership in four organizations that promote Scholarship, Service and Equal Opportunity for all; NAACP, Lambda Kappa Mu Business and professional Women, Delta Sigma Theta graduate chapter and Pi Beta Kappa (Women in Education). Lorraine received many awards for achievements in Education and Community Service. In 1980 she received the Syracuse Post Standard's Woman of Achievement award in Education. Lorraine was very proud of being named Delta Sigma Theta's Woman of Achievement. Calling hours will be Friday, August 26, 2016 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at A. Dewitt Memorial Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 4612 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, New York 13205. Services will be held Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 11 a.m. at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 1308 Meadowbrook Drive, Syracuse, New York. Burial to follow in Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Lorraine's memory to St. Alban's Mission Fund.