Dorothy “Lorraine” Pinckney Browning of Chapin, SC, entered into eternal rest Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Spartanburg Medical Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina, surrounded by her family.
Lorraine was born November 17, 1958, to the late James “Bernard” Pinckney, Sr. and Dorothy Bazzle Pinckney in Walterboro, SC. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by brother-in-laws Gregory Vincent Browning, MD, of Florence, SC, and Robert “Wesley” Browning of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, as well as nephew David Pinckney of Branchville, SC.
In addition to her mother Dorothy, Lorraine is survived by her husband of 42 years Walter “Wally” Kisler Browning, III, son Walter Browning of Goose Creek, daughter Melanie Jacks (Trey) of Spartanburg, daughter-in-law Emily Browning Becker of Summerville, and grandchildren Zoey Browning, Harper Jacks, and Jarrett Jacks. She is also survived by her siblings Debra Ross (Vance) of Moncks Corner, Bernard Pinckney, Jr. (Donna) of Walterboro, Nick Pinckney, Sr. (Sharon) of Branchville; brother-in-law Randall Browning of Pittsburgh; sister-in-law Rhonda Browning of Leesville; nephews Ross Browning (Lauren), Brandon McCormack (Jessica), Garrett McCormack (Crystal), Shawn Goodwin, Jr., Nick Pinckney, Jr., Jim Pinckney (Dena), and Jonathan Pinckney (Erica); and nieces Cara Koehler (Chris), Melissa Pinckney, and Rachel Berry (Randon). She also leaves behind numerous great nieces and great nephews.
Lorraine graduated from Baptist College at Charleston (now Charleston Southern University) in 1982. Lorraine was a lifelong educator, with a passion for sports and Colleton County Athletics. Over her 30+ year career, she served in a variety of roles within the Colleton County School District. She began her career in education as a Physical Education teacher at Black Street Elementary School, followed by Northside Elementary School, Walterboro High School, and concluding at Colleton County High School. She was named Colleton County Elementary Teacher of the Year and Northside Elementary Teacher of the Year during her years in the classroom. She also coached a variety of sports including high school basketball, volleyball, and track/field for Walterboro High School and Colleton County High School. She served as Assistant Athletic Director for 5+ years before concluding her career as Athletic Director, serving as the only female 4A Athletic Director in South Carolina at the time.
Lorraine served in many volunteer capacities within her lifetime, including Colleton County Special Olympics Director, Colleton County Relay for Life Director, Boy Scouts Cubmaster, and head coach for numerous baseball and softball recreational teams.
Lorraine was a lifelong member of Grace Advent Christian Church where she served in years past as Chairman of the Board of Christian Education, Vacation Bible School Director, and Sunday School teacher for numerous years.
Lorraine spent her career serving the children of Colleton County and people with special needs. She always put others above herself and was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother that will be sorely missed by all that knew her.
Family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00PM on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home in Walterboro, SC.
Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at Grace Advent Christian Church in Walterboro, SC, at 11:00AM, with burial immediately following in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Grace Advent Christian Church, 398 Mt. Carmel Road, Walterboro, SC 29488.
The family expresses its sincere gratitude to the kindness of the therapists and staff of Mary Black Center for Rehabilitative Medicine in Spartanburg and Dr. Ameeta Karmarkar of Spartanburg Medical Center.
