Andrea Lorraine Wilson

Andrea Lorraine Kelly Wilson was born on July 9, 1966, to the late Mary L. Kelly and Jackie M. Kelly Sr. She was born in Newark City, New Jersey and was a 1984 graduate from Norwalk High School. Lorraine and Deon Wilson were married on April 26, 2012. On Saturday, August 5, Lorraine, as we all knew her, entered into the presence of the Lord. She died at Grady Hospital, in Atlanta, Georgia at the age of 57. The Kelly family moved to Norwalk, CT shortly after Lorraine’s birth. Lorraine attended St. Joseph’s Elementary School and graduated from Norwalk High School. Lorraine thoroughly enjoyed her high school years and participated in JROTC, where she received various accolades, and was a member of the Norwalk High track team for all of her high school years. Following high school, Lorraine enlisted directly into the U.S. Marines Corps on August 21, 1984, traveling to Parris Island, SC for her initial training. She served in varied locations during her tenure including Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, MCAS El Toro, California, just to name a few. Lorraine was honorably discharged as a Lance Corporal on August 22, 1988. Lorraine was always active! An avid singer with a lifelong passion for the arts, Lorraine began baton, dance, and singing lessons at a very early age. Not only did she play the piano and the accordion, but Lorraine also tinkered with any musical instrument she encountered as a child. She spent many years twirling baton with local twirling groups in the Memorial Day parade, and she often performed singing routines, solos, and duets with friends, cousins, and siblings in variety shows hosted by local churches throughout the 80’s. Additionally, Lorraine, like her mother, was an animal lover. As a matter of fact, her mother’s beloved cat “Silver” was actually rescued by Lorraine first and then became the overly spoiled feline of the family. Lorraine was also a master chef. Even as a youngster, Lorraine enjoyed cooking and continued this passion into her Marine Corps life and afterwards, working in many “mess halls” and commercial kitchens throughout her adult working life beyond the military. Whatever dish you desired, Lorraine found a way to make it—often using every pot and pan in the kitchen—but the end result was always a delicious delight worth both the wait and the voluminous dishes you had to wash after the meal. Everyone knows, Lorraine was the “cook,” not the cleanup crew! Personable and outgoing, Lorraine never met a stranger. In her later years, Lorraine prioritized her family time, often traveling between Georgia and Virginia, eagerly anticipating getting all the hugs she could from the little ones. She particularly enjoyed family parties, reunions and just a good old-fashioned Sunday dinner. She loved laughing with her younger cousins, trying to stay “hip,” and she thoroughly loved her nieces and nephews and enjoyed being their “Aunt Rainey.” As a matter of fact, the move to GA, was all about the desire to be closer to family and her beloved cousin Lisa, with whom she was raised like a sister. Lorraine’s pastimes became keeping family connected, staying engaged with her friends, and connecting with those near and far on social media: She could tell you what was happening in your town, despite the distance, because she cherished being connected to people she loved. Lorraine is survived by her husband Deon Wilson; two siblings Jacquelyn Aarons (Rohan) of Norwalk, CT, and Jackie Kelly Jr. (Dr. Kathryn) of Silver Springs, MD; Aunts Patricia Mungin, Hattie Doctor; Deloris Parks, Pauline Bush; mother-in-law Rubylee Wilson; Step-children: Rushyah Wilson, Deonte Blount and Dyamond Mcdonald (previous marriage); Step-grandchildren: Rukarri Bright, Devon Bright, Kmyah Blount, Kmon Blount; nieces and nephews: Ajzha Thomas, Jackson Kelly, Caleb Aarons and Reagan Kelly; one grand niece: Nailah Paschal and a host of loving cousins and friends. Andrea Lorraine will be celebrated and sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Our loss, is heaven’s gain!

Tributes

Andrea Lorraine Wilson

July 9, 1966 - August 5, 2023