Obituary: Lorraine Bartley

Lorraine Bartley, age 76, a native of Morgan City, LA and a resident of Erie, Pennsylvania and Toledo, Ohio, five years and forty-five years, respectively, passed away, Thursday, September 17, 2026.
Lorraine was a devoted daughter of the late Frank Bartley Jr. and Hazel Smith Bartley, sister to Ruby B. Sanchez, Celia B. Clark, and Gloria B. (Calhoun) Moultrie, and Frank Bartley III, aunt to Timotea S. (Wilbert) Bailey, Cary C. Hollins, Trinette Jones, Orelia M. (Karim) Camara, Selina M. (Ronald) Martin, Domonique M. Bartley, Jacqueline E. Bartley, Nicole A. Bartley, Murphy (Kathi) Sanchez Jr., Stephen Bartley, Roland (Jennifer) Merchant Jr., Huey (Steve) Merchant, C Maxille (Allison) Moultrie, Frank Bartley IV, sister-in-law, Gertrude P. Bartley, brother-in-law Roland S. Merchant, great aunt to 7 nieces, 11 nephews, great-great aunt to 4 nieces, 15 nephews, and numerous cousins, and other relatives.
Lorraine was also preceded in death by sisters, Audrey B. Merchant, Melinda B. (Lawrence) Martin, Laura B. (Arvel) Marshall, and Jacqueline Bartley, brothers, Melvin Bartley, Herbert Bartley, and Huey (Brenda H.) Bartley, Brothers-in-law, Murphy Sanchez and Thornton Clark, Sister-in-law, Janice L. Bartley, Nieces, Adriane Bartley and Tyra Johnson, and Nephews, Thornton Clark Jr., Christopher Hollins, and Melvin Bartley Jr.
Lorraine was baptized at the Mt. Era Baptist Church. Lorraine attended Sunday School and Vacation Bible School during the summer. She remained connected to her Christian faith with several churches in including Indiana Baptist, Second Baptist, last membership was with the Resurrection Baptist Church, Rev. Randle Carter, Pastor all in Toledo, Ohio. It was in Toledo that Sister Lorraine completed her Bible Survey Course and was granted her Certificate of License as one who had a calling by God into the Ministry.
Lorraine graduated from Sumpter Williams High School. She received a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Southern University A & M College in Baton Rouge.
Lorraine was a woman of multiple talents and endeavors. She was strong in her faith, a computer geek, and an entrepreneur. She was a long-time Melaleuca, The Wellness Company representative. Lorraine also owned and operated her manicuring enterprise that was licensed by Toledo Academy of Beauty Culture. Her business acumen earned her public acknowledgement by the Toledo chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. during its To Black Women of Achievement Recognition program.
Lorraine’s volunteerism and community involvement included, but were not limited to -- Meritorious Service recognition by the United Softball League – A Community Project, the Girl Scout Certificate of Merit in recognition and appreciation for outstanding effort and accomplishment, the Toledo Police Department, and a member of the Toledo Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Lorraine will always be remembered as a serious prayer warrior, a committed and dedicated lover of children and families, for sharing her gifts and resources, and a great woman of God.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - Omega Omega Service Friday, September 25, 2026, 10:00a.m. at the Mt. Era Baptist Church, 406 Lawrence Street, Morgan City, LA 70380. Visitation to follow. The celebration of Lorraine’s life will begin at 11:00a.m., Rev. Norman Stovall, Pastor and Officiant.