Lorraine Payne Williams, a cherished resident of Charlottesville, Virginia, peacefully departed from this life at home on March 12, 2024, at the age of 98.

Born Doris Lorraine Payne on June 14, 1925, she spent her formative years in Albemarle County within the close-knit community of Board Axe, also known as Mechum River. For thirteen years, Lorraine lived with her parents, Grace Windom Payne and James McKinley Payne. Lorraine and her six siblings undertook a daily journey of resilience, walking approximately three miles to attend the two-room segregated Terry School in Little Ivy. This trek included traversing a mountain, passing by her father’s gardens, farm animals, and horses, and descending to Dry Bridge Road amidst the picturesque scenery of peach and apple orchards. The Terry School, nestled in the forested foothills, served African-American children in the area, lacking modern amenities such as electricity and plumbing but fostering a spirit of learning.

In 1937, prior to fifth grade, Lorraine’s mother arranged for her to move to Charlottesville, where she resided with her aunt, Mary Payne Banks, and uncle, Roy Banks, to further her education. She attended Jefferson School, one of only six secondary schools for African-Americans in Virginia, and graduated from segregated Jefferson High School in 1945. Subsequently, she pursued higher education at Hampton Institute (now Hampton University), an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) institution in Hampton, Virginia, where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Lorraine’s college years were enriched by the guidance and support of a trustee of Hampton Institute. Upon completing her studies, Lorraine returned to Charlottesville to teach at Jackson P. Burley High School, eventually becoming the Chair of the Business Education Department. Later, in 1967, she earned her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Virginia’s Curry School and contributed to the Curry School Foundation Board during the 1990s.

Lorraine’s life intertwined with that of Eugene Williams, a young man from Charlottesville, whom she married on August 14, 1949, at her aunt and uncle’s home on Hartman Mills Road. Together, they raised two daughters, Karol and Scheryl, on Ridge Street in Charlottesville. Their partnership extended beyond their family to a shared commitment to community service. The Williamses played a pivotal role in advocating for the integration of Charlottesville’s schools, enduring the challenges and legal battles of the era’s civil rights movement. Lorraine and Eugene united in a mission to serve their community, forming a parent committee to integrate Charlottesville’s schools. Despite their daughters, Karol and Scheryl, being among twelve African-American children denied entry to formerly white schools, they persevered. Facing Virginia’s Governor’s closure of public schools rather than integration, the NAACP sued and emerged victorious.

Despite Virginia’s resistance, known as the historic “Massive Resistance,” twelve children, including Karol and Scheryl, entered the once all-white schools. Karol was 12, and Scheryl was 10 at the time. Following full school integration, Lorraine continued her teaching career at Lane High School, where she demonstrated exemplary leadership and innovation. Despite initial challenges, including being assigned a closet as an office, she persevered and became the first teacher at Lane High School to introduce computer education. Her dedication to her students, regardless of race, left an indelible mark, earning her recognition as an “Outstanding Teacher” and garnering appreciation from former students throughout her life.

Lorraine has been honored with numerous awards, including The Charlottesville Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023; Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow “Service Above Self” Award in 2015. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Charter Member of Charlottesville Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, where a stained glass window bears her name. In addition to her community service work and her roles as a mother, wife, and teacher, Lorraine was an active member of two social clubs. She was part of “Les Amis”, a club of friends who sponsored the Debutante Ball for young Black women. Additionally, she delighted in participating in pinochle card game luncheons and teas hosted at the homes of friends.

Lorraine Payne Williams celebrated 75 years of a beautiful marriage with her beloved husband, Eugene Williams, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and service. She is survived by her daughters, Karol Williams Biglow and Scheryl Williams Glanton (Partner, Robert L. Mitchell); grandchildren, Hope Biglow McCallum (Andrew), Holly Lynn Biglow, Earl Eugene Biglow (Andrea Spriggs), Morgan Grace Glanton, David Howard Glanton; great-grandchildren, Jessica McCallum, Emily McCallum and Nyla Biglow; sister Isabel Payne Giles, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and the broader community.

Lorraine Payne Williams will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her unwavering dedication to education, equality, and the betterment of her community.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Jefferson School – African-American Heritage Center in honor of Lorraine Payne Williams.

Condolences may be expressed to the family via the J. F. Bell Funeral Home Inc. guestbook.