Lorraine Hamilton Torrence

On August 26, 2024, Lorraine Hamilton Torrence, 106 years old, of Appomattox, Virginia, passed away at home with members of her family at her side. She was remarkedly healthy until one week before she quietly and painlessly succumbed to complications from a heart attack. She kept her angelic smile and positive attitude until her last breath. She smiled and talked with visitors in her hospital room, softly saying, “I love you,” “Good night sugar,” and, “Thank you Lord, for everything you do.”
She was born June 21, 1918, to Alvin and Bessie Hamilton in the Piney Mountain area near Oakville in Appomattox County, where she grew up. She graduated from Appomattox County High School in 1935 and recalls how she rode to school in a horse-drawn covered wagon. She was one of 11 children, most of whom lived long lives. Brother Richard Hamilton lived to almost 107 and younger brother Hunt Hamilton will soon be 101. She credits her longevity to “Whole milk, front porch sitting, and lovin’ Jesus.”
She married Elliott Torrence of Appomattox, who preceded her in death in 2001. They raised their four children on their dairy farm on Route 627, now River Ridge Road. As a farm wife, she created a “back door” friendly home where everyone was welcome, no appointments needed. The doors were always open. During busy times when neighbors helped with farm work, she would feed 10 to 15 hungry workers using a wood stove with seemingly, little effort. Every meal had hot biscuits. She owned the kitchen and at age 105 she still gave directions on how to cook. Frequently it was, “add more lard.”
She continued welcoming visitors on her front porch until her last days and was always happy to get a wave or have anyone stop by and chat.
Lorraine’s long life included WW I, the Great Depression, WW II, The Korean War, the Viet Nam war, the Cold War, Iraq War and other Middle East conflicts, and numerous other world events and technology advances. None changed her positive attitude toward life.
As a long-time member of New Hope Baptist Church in Vera, Virginia, Lorraine impacted many lives as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, women’s group member, missions group member, and social events. “Miss Lorraine” had the magic touch with kids. She loved her church family and the Lord.
She was famous for her paintings and drawings. As a self-taught artist she painted beautiful scenes, many that included children and animals. Every Christmas she painted the windows and glass doors of her house in beautiful Christmas scenes. One of her earliest paintings is the cow scene on the dairy barn doors to the hayloft, which can still be seen today. Her final painting was at age 104.
She loved to write and receive letters. She saved most of them and still have some from her childhood and from when Elliott was in the Navy in WWII.
She loved flowers, especially those hand-picked from someone’s garden. When riding in the car she found joy in the beautiful trees and flowers and wanted to know their names. The yellow rose was her favorite, but her eyes lit up anytime someone brought her flowers.
She remained active even in her golden years, including travelling. She wanted to visit Pearl Harbor and at age 89 went to Hawaii with granddaughters Kimetha and Sara and daughter-in-law Gloria.
Family members of all ages remember her as: Loving, Gentle, Patient, Content, Tender-Hearted, Extraordinary, Smiling, Calming, Inviting, Nurturing, God-Send, Beautiful, Artistic, Adventurous, Steadfast, Faithful, Sweet, and Kind.
Lorraine is survived by her four children: Dennis Torrence (Pat Thomas Torrence), of Appomattox; Michael Torrence (Pat Ann Tibbs Torrence), of Spout Spring, Virginia; Sheila Torrence Moore (Kevin Moore), of Gladstone, Virginia; and Larry Torrence (Gloria Doss Torrence), of Virginia Beach, Virginia; 10 grandchildren – Zane Torrence, Micah Torrence, Matthew Torrence, Dylan Lewis, Mitchell Lewis, Wyatt Torrence, Brady Torrence, Jonathon Moore, all of Appomattox; Kimetha Torrence Schmidt and Sara Torrence Gettings of Virginia Beach; 24 great grandchildren; and two (2) great-great grandchildren.
She loved her caregivers who made her days joyful: June Thornhill, Sheryl Simmons, Teresa Hastings, Rebecca Clements, Dale Burge, and Cindi Williams.
Visitation with family will be held Thursday, August 29th 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Robinson Funeral Home, 667 Court St., Appomattox, VA.
A reception preceding the funeral will be held on Friday August 30, 2024, at 2:00PM at New Hope Baptist Church.
A funeral service celebrating Lorraine’s life will be held at 3:00PM, Friday, August 30, 2024, at New Hope Baptist Church, 6227 Old Courthouse Road (Rt. 24), Appomattox, Virginia followed by burial in the family cemetery on the Torrence Farm, 4476 River Ridge Road, Appomattox, VA
Those wishing to make contributions in Lorraine’s memory, please consider New Hope Baptist Church.