Lorraine Love Whitaker, affectionately known as Rainey, was born on July 2, 1950, in Newark, New Jersey, to Wilma E. Love and Charles F. Love Sr. She departed this life peacefully on Sunday, July 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
The eldest of four children, Lorraine was raised in Newark and educated in the Newark Public School System, attending 18th Avenue School, West Kinney Junior High, and West Side High School—proudly known as the Rough Riders. She went on to attend Upsala College in East Orange, NJ, where she was part of the inaugural class of Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) students. It was there she met and later married her beloved husband, Gregory Whitaker. Lorraine graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology.
Lorraine and Gregory were married in 1972, and their loving union of 53 years was blessed with two children: Gregory E. Whitaker II and Lorren L. Whitaker. Their marriage was a true partnership grounded in love, commitment, and the well-being of their family. In 1991, they relocated from Newark to Montclair, NJ, to ensure their children received a quality education and diverse life experiences.
A lifelong learner and educator, Lorraine later earned her master’s degree in Counselor Education from Kean University in Union, NJ. She dedicated over 25 years of her professional life to Montclair State University as an Academic Advisor and Counselor in the EOF Program. During her tenure, she served on numerous campus-wide committees, including the President’s Commission on Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity, and Diversity, Together We Can, and the African American Caucus.
Lorraine was also a committed community activist, passionately advocating for Black empowerment, social justice, and marginalized communities. Her quiet strength and radiant spirit inspired everyone she encountered.
Outside of her professional life, Lorraine was a voracious reader, a gifted gardener, and an inspired interior designer. Family was her greatest joy. She adored her children and grandchildren and was looking forward to relocating to Douglasville, GA, to be closer to them. As a nurturing older sister, Lorraine played a major role in raising her siblings—Chuck, Tony, and Lisa—and maintained a lifelong bond with her cousin Linda, who was like a sister. She was also a devoted aunt to many nieces and nephews, always offering a kind word and loving encouragement.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, Wilma and Charles Love; her brother, Anthony “Tony” Love; aunts Mary Wilkerson, Hope Jackson, and Eloise Thomas; uncle Robert Lampkin; and nephew Caleb Love.
She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Gregory Whitaker I; her son, Gregory Whitaker II (Rasheeda); daughter, Lorren Love Whitaker; and beloved grandsons, Karim (Victoria), Greg III, Zion, and Chris. She is also survived by her siblings Charles F. Love II (Cassandra) and Lisa Ellison (Rufus); cousin Linda Baynard (Howard); lifelong friend Delores McMorrin; nieces and nephews Charles Love III (Christine), Aliya Robinson (Desmond), Anthony Stanley (Fatima), Cahil Love Sr. (Lashaunna); Dorian Davis (Sonny), as well as a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family, friends, colleagues, and community members.
Lorraine Love Whitaker lived a life of grace, purpose, and love. Her presence was calming, her spirit uplifting, and her legacy everlasting.
The family of Lorraine Love Whitaker wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, and sympathy during this difficult time. Your comforting words, kind gestures, and presence have been a great source of strength for us.
We are deeply thankful to everyone for their unwavering support and assistance with the funeral arrangements. Your help has been invaluable.
To all who sent flowers, cards, and messages of condolence, or who attended the service, we are profoundly grateful. Your thoughtfulness and compassion have brought us comfort and solace.
Thank you for being there for us and for honoring the memory of “Rainey”. Your support means more to us than words can express.
The Family
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