Lorraine M. Cheatham

Lorraine M. Cheatham, 81, of New Kensington was called Home on Saturday, April 9, 2022 in her home where she was surrounded by her loving family. Born September 6, 1940 in Hagerstown, Maryland, Lorraine was the only daughter and child of the late Marjorie Lyle-Blakey and Lawrence Brooks. 

She was a graduate of Ken-Hi Class of 1958 and studied at Lincoln University in Philadelphia. Lorraine found her love of sewing and custom tailored wear, as she was the Bridal Department Manager at Hart's Department store in New Kensington for 20 years. When Hart’s closed for business, Lorraine purchased all of the sewing machines and equipment, hired the entire bridal staff, and founded “The Perfect Fit by Lorraine” within one week’s time without ever missing a paycheck.

As a Master Alterations Specialist, owning the longest running Black woman owned business in the AK Valley, Lorraine created one-of-a kind beautiful garments, tailored men’s suits, and altered prom and wedding gowns for over 35 years. She was also the House Alterations Specialist for Babe’s Broadway Bridal, Longwood Oakmont Retirement Home, Wedding World, and JC Penney over the span of her career.

In 1962, Lorraine found the beauty of fierce love and partnership with the late Charles G. Cheatham. Together, Chuck and Lorraine built their family on a strong foundation of devoted and unconditional love and tenderness. Her favorite pastime was spending time with her family, entertaining her friends, she enjoyed traveling and exploring new cities, and she had a strong affection to fashion with her impeccable style - always graceful and dignified.

Lorraine was a member of several social clubs and professional organizations; including the Business & Professional Women, an active member of the New Kensington area Chamber of Commerce, Daughter of the Kentonian Temple #631, and the Ar-Ken Youth Cheerleading Team. Additionally, Lorraine was an active parishioner and steward at Abundant Life Fellowship Church in New Kensington.

Lorraine’s vivacious daily presence will be deeply missed, but the endless love and unwavering commitment to her family will remain an everlasting guiding light.  She is survived by her two beloved daughters, Carmen (Craig) Mason of Atlanta, GA and Leslie Cheatham-Vereen of New Kensington; her cherished eight grandchildren, Kirsten Watkins-Mason, Endia Vereen, Brandon Mason, Ashia Vereen, Lauren (Kevin) Denson, Chaz Cheatham, Taylor Mason, and Jordan Mason. She adored her seven great-grandchildren, Kaiden Denson, Kenzi Denson, Amaia Vereen, Kylie Denson, Keyvia Denson, Kevin Denson Jr., and Prince Mason; as well as a host of additional family and countless friends.  

Lorraine is preceded in death by her cherished husband of 45 years, Charles G. Cheatham; her mother, Marjorie Blakey and her father, Lawrence Brooks. We envision that the angels rejoiced at the sign of her homecoming, and she was welcomed into the heavenly gates by her dear great-grandson, Kross Chotoosingh. 

Please join us to honor Lorraine’s life with viewing on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at ROSS G. WALKER FUNERAL HOME LTD. 217 Freeport Road New Kensington, PA 15068, and Thursday, April 14, 2022 from 10:00am until time of Funeral Service at 11:00 am at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, New Kensington with R. Roger C. Thomas Sr. presiding. For those wishing to view the service via Livestream, refer to the following ZOOM link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87839620935?pwd=RWRBZnpFT3lHQ1dETnQ1UTV0V2hIZz09. To leave an online condolence or share a memory of Lorraine, please visit www.rossgwalker.com.

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