LORRAINE BANNING

1946 – 2023

The expression "still waters run deep" is apt when it comes to describing a woman who might be viewed, upon first meeting, as a serious, somewhat remote, stoic figure. That perception, however, belies a life defined by a deep faith, dry sense of humor, and life of service that earned her the respect and love of family, friends and associates across the country.

Born in Davenport, Iowa, to Fred Spies, a machinist and foreman at the Rock Island Arsenal, and Alma (Lineburg) Spies, a former teacher in a one-room rural Scott County school, Lorraine and her parents moved to Blue Grass, Iowa. With many aunts and uncles farming in the area she enjoyed the joys of rural and small-town life and the affection of her extended family. She attended Blue Grass Community School through 8th grade, and was active in school and church programs throughout her young life. A dedicated member of the Blue Grass 4H club, where her mother was a club leader, she regularly exhibited at the Mississippi Valley and Iowa State fairs. Her sewing, baking and woodworking skills were blue-ribbon quality, as was her novel use of contact paper. She eagerly shared her father's interest in V8 engines. An enthusiastic reader throughout her youth, her love for literature was only occasionally diverted by her fascination with the music of Elvis Presley and Andy Williams. The annual summer road trips in the family Oldsmobile, replete with parental admonishments to 'leave those ashtrays alone!' included many of America's 'must-sees' such as Washington, DC, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Rocky Mountain National Park and the Grand Canyon. They also fueled one of Lorraine's lifelong hobbies of collecting small pitchers (a reputed seven boxes worth) as reminders of the places she visited.

In 1964 her family moved to Davenport, Iowa, one of the Quad-Cities on the mighty Mississippi River, where she attended junior high and high school. Lorraine was an outstanding student and regularly mentored other students in mathematics. After finishing high school, Lorraine attended the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) in Cedar Falls, spending her summers working as a Kelly Girl to earn tuition money, and was frequently asked to return each summer. Post-graduation, she taught 8th grade mathematics for two years. She met her future husband Deryll in college, discovering a compatible seriousness and quirkiness that led to love, marriage, children and 12 years moving with Deryll's Marine Corps assignments including stints in VA, HI, NC and SC. With two small children in the house, she made time to pursue various including scrapbooking, macramé and cross stitch. She also published and mailed The Banning Bugle, a periodic newsletter covering what was going on in their lives, and never missed sending cards to recognize special occasions in the lives of family and friends. (They always arrived on time.)

When he exited the Corps, they moved to Florence, AL, this time on the shores of the mighty Tennessee River marking a period of permanence and stability where they raised their two children while Deryll launched a new career. Lorraine began work as secretary at First Presbyterian Church of Florence, a position she held for 22 years. Moreover, in Florence, she discovered two entities that fostered and encouraged her natural leadership abilities and would become defining bedrocks for the rest of her life. At First Christian, their church home for 40 years, she found a community of faith that included countless friendships and service opportunities. She actively engaged with staff and congregants alike, teaching Sunday School classes, and serving in various leadership positions including Treasurer, Elder, Board President

and member of the pastor search committee. The other was Pilot International, a community-based volunteer service organization founded on the guiding principles of "Friendship and Service." Perhaps it is no surprise that the woman who spent her life living near two of America's great rivers would be drawn to an organization whose name was inspired by the mighty riverboat pilots of that day who represented leadership and guidance, attributes that Lorraine demonstrated in abundance during her 37-year membership. She held various positions in her local, state and regional clubs, and made lifelong friends while attending Pilot's statewide, regional and international conventions across the country where she earned the moniker "The Hat Lady" for the colorful, perfectly coordinated hats she wore. In 1995-96, she was elected Alabama District Governor for Pilot International in recognition of her many contributions and leadership to the club. In keeping with the pilot theme, she also collected lighthouse artwork and figurines.

Lorraine passed away on August 27, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. She is survived by her husband Deryll, son Jeffrey (Macon, GA), daughter Katharine (Kennesaw, GA), brother Leon Spies (Jan Peterson), Iowa City, IA and sister Marilyn Bromberg (David), Denver, CO.

A service in remembrance of Lorraine will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. CDT at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Florence, 700 Wood Ave., Florence, AL 35630. There is no visitation before the service, but there will be a reception in the fellowship hall, following the service to visit with Deryll and family. Those unable to attend in person may watch the service https://youtube.com/live/hc96AQ-dq44?feature=share. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be sent to the church in Lorraine's memory.