Marjorie Milligan Lorance

Marjorie Milligan Lorance, 98, died peacefully in her sleep, just as she’d wanted, on November 21, 2016. Surviving are daughter Susan Patterson (George Tyree III) of Charlotte, with whom she lived for the last three years; daughter Carol Katrana (Dr. David) of Houston; granddaughter Lauren Minor (fiance Michael Alley) of Houston; granddaughter Libby Paul (Dr. Greg) of Manhattan, KS, and their two daughters Emily and Allie; and siblings, Helon (Boyd) Gentry of Woodbury, TN, Betty Billings and Jack Milligan of McMinnville, TN, and Jimmy Milligan of Coco Beach, FL, and many close nieces and nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Powell and Nanny Vandergriff Milligan; her husband, C. Morgan Lorance; and siblings: Brown and Billy Milligan, Sammye Tenpenny, Quixie Carroll, Rachel Hilstrom and Shirley Tate. Marjorie was born on April 2, 1918, in Woodbury, the second oldest of 11 children. A child of the Great Depression, she grew up on a farm in the rolling hills of middle Tennessee, sleeping on feather beds and sitting behind the wood stove to stay warm before breakfast. The black-haired beauty graduated top of her high school class and soon captured the heart of the young man she’d be married to for 61 years. She and Morgan Lorance had grand adventures in Montreal and NYC while he was stationed in Plattsburgh, NY during WWII. She supported him during his GI Bill college days at the University of Tennessee, living in the trailer village on the ag campus, and soon they moved to Shelbyville, TN, where they had a full and active life. Whether baking for the First Methodist Church bazaar or leading Brownies on a snipe hunt, Marjorie was involved. She particularly enjoyed being a Rotary-Ann while Morgan served as Rotary District Governor. They represented Rotary throughout Tennessee and traveled to Canada, Puerto Rico, and Panama. More grand adventures. After Morgan died, she moved to Charlotte. Even at 90, she could recite her ABC’s backwards, a sign of her sharp mind. She continued to volunteer, making sandwiches for the homeless. She balanced her checkbook and kept up with Tennessee football, Braves baseball and golf. She remained active, alert and kept her quick wit. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. We will always remember her humor and ability to see the good in everyone, and we’ll miss her positive energy. A private graveside service for family will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Woodbury, TN, at 11 am on Saturday, December 17, 2016. A public visitation for family and friends will follow at from 12-2 pm at Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. in Woodbury. Memorial contributions may be made to the Urban Ministry Center (945 N. College St., Charlotte 28206) or the charity of your choice. Share memories and condolences with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net Smith Funeral Home, 615-563-5337