Lorraine Morgan

The summer of Lorraine Moran’s 101st birthday began in late May when she traveled to Ohio for the early June wedding of her Great-Granddaughter, Lexi Hall. Lorraine honored Great-Granddaughter Lexi by being her flower girl. Lorraine was dressed in a steel blue ensemble matching the bridemaids’ gowns. She carried petals from white peonies which originated with the bride’s Great-Great Grandmother, Lavinia Poling. It was a very special wedding day for all in attendance.

The week of July 10th was spent at a lake house at Stonewall Resort, Roanoke, WV. Those in attendance included Tim and Carole Surgent, Neptune, NJ; Jimmy Collins, Bakersville, NC; Kenna and Greta Kuhl, Canal Fulton, OH; Tori Hall, Louisville, KY; Cindy Kuhl, Seville, OH; Linda Collins, Elkins, WV; Vera Hammond, Fayetteville, NC; and the guest of honor, Lorraine Moran, Elkins, WV. Joining them for a celebratory lunch at Stillwaters, the resort’s signature restaurant, were Matt and Mateal Poling. The management honored Lorraine with hors d’oeuvres and a special birthday dessert following the main course. The manager also spent an unusual amount of time with her group sharing stories of the resort and the lake. The family spent time together swimming, kayaking, hiking, fishing, golfing, being spoiled at the Spa, and sharing significant time together creating more memories. Many friends and family honored Lorraine with cards and special gifts.

On August 10, Lorraine was honored for her service during World War II by being inducted into the Our Town Inc. Rosie the Riveter Honor Roll. Any woman who received pay for any essential work during the war is considered a Rosie. During World War II, Lorraine helped serve meals at Halliehurst Hall to the military who were in Elkins for training. “Davis & Elkins College played a crucial role in support of America’s war effort as a training center for the Army Air Corps, Navy Armed Guard School and Civil Aeronautics Administration. Soldiers received crucial technical training at D&E as well as flight instruction at the Elkins Municipal Airport. By 1945, 772 men and women had prepared for service at Davis & Elkins College.” (D&E at War: A Collection of Photos and Artifacts from the College’s World War II Experience.)

In late August, Lorraine accompanied her daughter, Vera, to North Carolina to visit more family members there, including her son-in-law, Robert Hammond, and her grandson’s family, John and Jennifer Hammond and their twins, Noah and Lyla. Lorraine joined the celebration of her Great-Grandchildren’s 6th birthday at Sawyers’ Fun Park and afterwards, at a swimming party at their home with family and friends. Gifts, fun, cakes, and refreshments were bountiful.

While in Greenville, NC, visiting her grandson and his family, Lorraine had the opportunity to visit the historic town of Washington, NC, and enjoyed a river walk along the Pamlico River. The town was founded in the early 1770’s and was an important supply port during the Revolutionary War when neighboring ports were under British seige.

Upon her return to Elkins, Lorraine began preparing to celebrate the 86th Mountain State Forest Festival. She has always loved attending the Queen’s Coronation (of which she says she has never missed one), The Grand Parade, and all the displays and exhibits celebrating the rich heritage of the forests of West Virginia. “Life is still a journey!”