Lorraine Armstrong Bivins

Lorraine Armstrong Bivins, born on May 25, 1939, in Trenton, New Jersey, died peacefully in her home on July 1, 2026, surrounded by her family.  She was 87 years old.  She was a beloved wife, mother, family member, and friend whose life touched those around her with grace, strength, and love.

Although Lorraine did not complete college as a young woman, she later earned an Associate in Arts degree from Prince Georges Community College and a Bachelor of Arts degree from George Mason University while her daughters were teenagers, setting an inspiring example of perseverance and lifelong learning.

Lorraine held several jobs outside the home over the years, but her greatest joy was being a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. She was a talented painter who especially loved working in watercolors, a certified Master Gardener, and an amazing "dog mom" who dearly loved her four-legged companions.

Lorraine had a heart for serving others, especially children and families in need. She involved her family in volunteering with CARP, an organization that helped provide meals for those less fortunate, as well as visits to Boys Village of Maryland, a juvenile rehabilitation center, where they shared homemade cupcakes, played board games, and mentored the young residents. She offered a mother’s love and nurturing home to those in need, including foster children, family members going through difficult seasons, and a foreign exchange student.  She was also an active member of the Baptist churches she attended and later of the Lutheran church in Great Falls, Virginia, where she served as a Stephen Minister, and in Southport, North Carolina, where she faithfully served her church family and community.

Her family fondly remembers her love of giving gifts and her eagerness for loved ones to open them—often before the special occasion. Lorraine was known for her candid honesty, often sharing exactly what was on her mind. Her straightforward nature was frequently accompanied by a sense of humor that made those moments unforgettable. 

Lorraine is survived by her husband of 65 years, Luther Bivins; her younger sister, Yvonne Greenawalt; her two daughters, Nora (Harvey) Virchow and Loretta (Steve) Fearrington; three grandchildren, Margaux (Andrew) Nicolette, Chelsey (Chris) Walker, and Erik DeLong; and three great-grandchildren, Chloe Walker, Hudson Nicolette, and Hadley Nicolette. She was preceded in death by her father, Herbert Lyle Armstrong; her mother, Margaret Czeizenger Armstrong; and her older sister, Christine Armstrong (Wayne) Larkins.

A private funeral service will be held for the family at Donaldson Funeral Home, 396 West Street, Pittsboro, North Carolina 27312, on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., followed by a reception. Guests are encouraged to dress casually in comfortable, breathable attire. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Chatham Animal Rescue and Education (CARE), www.chathamanimalrescue.org.  The family sincerely appreciates the love, prayers, and support of friends during this time.

Donaldson Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Lorraine Bivins.