Lorraine Matkins

Mrs. Lorraine Whitfield Gerringer Matkins, age 90, of Elon, passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at Alamance Regional Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. Born in Person County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Lester Ezra Whitfield and the late Maggie Long Whitfield and was married to "J.C." Matkins, who survives. She retired from a career in the garment industry and was a longtime member of Shallow Ford Christian Church, where she was involved in the Women's Fellowship and several other church organizations. Lorraine left a wonderful legacy of love and laughter and was a creative and industrious woman. She was devoted to her family and friends and loved being a mother, wife and sister. Lorraine enjoyed music, flowers, animals and all of God's creations. An attitude of optimism and embracing each day was always evident in her smile. Mrs. Matkins is survived by her two daughters, Terry Ciccone and her husband, Gary, of Fayetteville and Connie Smithwick and her husband, Terry, of Bath, NC; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; five sisters, Beatrice Jenkins, Katye Newton and Sadie Roach, all of Burlington, Jean Walker of Longhurst, NC, Linda Faye Allen and her husband, Woody, of Elon; brothers, Herbert Whitfield and his wife, Nancy, and Herman Whitfield and his wife, Carol, all of Burlington; sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Whitfield of Graham, Gloria Whitfield of Haw River and Ruth Thompson of Elon; and extended children, James A. Matkins and John "Eddie" Matkins and his wife, Nettie. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Everette R. Gerringer; parents; four sisters, Ethel Whitfield, Mae Lowe, Doris Coleman and Frances Barber; and two brothers, Raymond and Melvin Whitfield. A service to celebrate her life will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at Shallow Ford Christian Church by Rev. Steve Regan. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00-1:45 Tuesday at the church prior to the service and other times at the residence. The family would like to extend a special thanks to her beloved primary caregiver, Rhonda Walker, and also recognize Denise Turner, Robin Cain, and Stella and Yasha Worth for the loving care and kindness shown to Lorraine. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shallow Ford Christian Church c/o the Memorial Fund, 1263 Shallow Ford Church Rd., Elon, NC 27244. You may sign the online register book at www.lowefuneralhome.com