Lorraine Guedin Carpenter, 97 years old of Nursery, TX, passed away Wednesday, October 27, 2021. She was born on April 25, 1924 in Taft, Texas to the late Ernest and Bonnie B. Tolar Guedin.
A memorial service was held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church, 2408 N Navarro St, Victoria, TX 77901.
Lorraine is preceded in death by her parents Ernest and Bonnie B. Tolar Guedin; brothers Ernest L. Guedin and wife Verda Mae of Taft, Texas, Robert M. Guedin and wife Delores B. of Corpus Christi, Texas; 1st husband Charles R. (Ted) Oliver of Uvalde, Texas; and 2nd husband Robert Carpenter of Nursery, Texas.
Lorraine is survived by her loving son Charles R. Oliver, Jr. and wife Lynn Duncan of Bend, Oregon and loving stepdaughter Nancy K. Oliver of Fairhaven, Maryland. In addition, she is survived by brother Jack A. Guedin of Santa Fe, Texas; grandson Earth M. Oliver of Bend, Oregon; step-grandson Robert W. Dugas of Houston, Texas and many other caring family and friends.
In 1945 while working for the U.S. Army, Lorraine would marry the dapper Ted Oliver, a San Antonio watchmaker. Ted, who was 17 years her senior, had big plans for the future. After the birth of their son in early 1947, Lorraine and Ted would soon move to Coleman, TX where they would open the first Oliver Jewelry store selling watches, diamonds, fine china, and silverware. Lorraine would find herself to be a natural in the business.
Closing shop in Coleman, the couple would move to the Panhandle town of Childress and establish a new Oliver Jewelry. There Ted would become good friends with Belvis Bailey, the local Oldsmobile dealer, much to the consternation of Lorraine a few years later.
In the early 50’s Lorraine and Ted would again pack up the shop and move to Lockney. Though business was good in this small town, the couple decided to open a second store in Olton where Ted would spend most of his time. It was during this time when in 1957 Ted would buy Lorraine a hot pink Oldsmobile Super 88 from his old friend Belvis Bailey. She was shocked to say the least and within days Ted had returned with a gold Super 88.
In 1961 Lorraine and Ted would move for the final time to Uvalde where they continued in the business until retiring in 1978. Sadly, Lorraine would lose Ted, who had become a “gentleman” rancher, in a bull wrestling incident in 1981.
In 1985 Lorraine married her second husband, Robert Carpenter of Houston. Together they built a house in Nursery on the stock farm where Robert was born. Like most country people they soon had a large garden out in front of the house which they both lovingly tended until very late in life.
In 1987 Lorraine bought a house on the front beach in Port O’Connor. Having grown up fishing the bays of Texas with her father, Lorraine was right at home fishing the waters of Port O’Connor with Robert and stepdaughter Patricia Dugas. Lorraine and Robert spent most every weekend there until Robert’s passing in 2015.
Lorraine had never traveled outside the U.S. before her marriage to Robert but that would soon change. Together they traveled to the Caribbean, Alaska (several times), Europe, Australia, and many other places often with the First Ladies of Victoria. One of her favorite trips was to Coushatta where she often broke even or came out ahead.
Lorraine loved her church. She and Robert would come back from Port O’Connor on Sunday mornings so she could attend. Only a pandemic could prevent her attending.
Lorraine lived a long and very full life and with the support of loving friends and family, remained in her home until her passing. She will be greatly missed by those wonderful family and friends.
It’s April 25th, 2022, the first year I haven’t sent Aunt Lorraine a Birthday card and called her. As I saw her portrait on her website, I stopped to gaze at her, tell her Happy Birthday, and tell her how much I miss her. There’s hardly a day that goes by I don’t think of you and my Daddy. Aunt Lorraine, I have loved you all my life and I will for the rest of my life. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AUNT LORRAINE!!
Charles, today is Mother’s Day, the first Mother’s Day without your loving Mother. The first Mother’s Day without sending a gift, flowers, or at least a card. Your Mother was exceptional with her huge heart. She loved her family, friends, and her Church and would do anything to help them. She wasn’t my Mother, but I’m thinking about and missing her too. I feel your loss.
Charles,
In the middle of last night, I suddenly woke up. I sat up in be to hear if there was a sound that had woken me up. All of a sudden, I heard, “Beth, It’s Aunt Lorraine”. Something she said to me every time she called me. I kept listening for more of her voice. Then I heard, “OK, Love you too. We’ll talk later. Bye”. As I was still realizing what just happened, I saw my Daddy, my precious Daddy. I understand seeing him as they were so close. I only heard your Mother and only saw my Daddy.
Charles, I still miss your Mother so much. I hope she knew how much I loved her!!