Lorraine Kay Slaughter

Lorraine Kay Slaughter, age 75, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2023, in Lubbock, Texas surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born on August 22, 1947, in Buffalo, New York, to Pitman and Dolores Sullivan. Her early life was filled with days of helping her dad at the racetrack where they raised horses and Dalmatians. Her family, which included her brother Dan, and sisters Barbara and Carole, later moved to Odessa, Texas where Pitman opened his law practice. Odessa would be called Lorrie’s hometown where she graduated from Odessa High School and attended Odessa College.

Lorrie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. After meeting in a record shop, she married Duane Owens in 1967 and they started their family in Irving, TX where Nancy and Casey were born. In 1978, they moved to Lewisville where she would live for the next almost 40 years. She was an active member of the community and in school-related activities in which her children were involved including band, agriculture, and being an avid Lewisville Fighting Farmer fan! She returned to school to finish her bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in social work from Texas Woman’s University while the kids were in school.  She was only 9 hours from completing her doctorate when, after 19 years of marriage, Duane passed away in 1986.  Lorrie quickly shifted from a stay-at-home mom to a single working mom to take care of her girls.

Lorrie worked as a counselor, ombudsman, and educator throughout her career at Texas Woman’s University and DeVry Institute of Technology. She was a talented teacher and always commanded a room while encouraging her students to have empathy when learning to work with others. She had a silly since of humor and loved to laugh. She often introduced herself to her students as Professor Slaughter which is laughter with an S. She also had the natural ability to listen and empathize with others which made her a trusted and beloved friend to many. People sought out her advice and guidance, knowing that she would listen without judgment and offer thoughtful insights and perspectives. She instilled the importance of education and empathy into her children and grandchildren as she saw her kids through college at Texas Tech University and Texas A&M University, becoming big fans of the Red Raiders and Aggies as well.

She was a woman made to love and was blessed when she met and married Greg Slaughter in 1991 as they became empty nesters. They were meant for each other at this stage in their lives and complemented each other well over their thirty-one-plus years of marriage. With their marriage, Greg gained two daughters and Lorrie gained a son, Tim! Lorrie recently said that she has never been lonely since marrying Greg and this speaks volumes about their relationship. They had a strong emotional bond and were able to support each other through life’s ups and downs. It’s truly heartening to see a couple who were so well-matched. Together, they offered love, guidance, and support to their children as they progressed through adulthood. They enjoyed travelling to see children and grandchildren, attending Lewisville Farmers football games, and going to the “show” (movies).

Lorrie loved animals, especially dogs, birds, and horses. She was instrumental in bringing the love of horses to her family, a hobby that the girls enjoyed immensely. She shared a love for exotic birds with Greg. They raised several over the years including an African Grey, cockatoos, and a parrot.  Most of her life has seen a dog by her side including her most recent happy, playful sidekick Andy and numerous dogs and grand dogs.

Some of Lorrie’s passions were scrapbooking, genealogy and decorating for Christmas. She had a keen eye for detail and loved creating beautiful, personalized scrapbooks that captured cherished memories. Lorrie spent countless hours delving into historical records and family archives, piecing together the intricate details of her family’s history. She was particularly fascinated by the lives of her ancestors and enjoyed uncovering their unique stories and experiences. She also documented everyday moments that brought her joy, especially when relating to her grandchildren. Her home was a sight to behold during the holiday season as she displayed her extensive Christmas village scenes, and these were even used in public displays at times. As a child, she lost her dad at Christmas time but changed her view of Christmas by creating wonderful memories for her family. Her creative talents brought joy to her family and friends.

Lorrie was known for her kind and generous spirit and her unwavering faith.  She raised her kids to always remember where they came from because she knew she belonged to the Lord first and foremost.  She did not fear death and looked forward to being reunited with her family and by Jesus’ side.

Lorrie had a great love for her family. She once said her heart melts when thinking of the love she has for them. Lorrie is survived by her husband of 31 years, Greg Slaughter; her daughter Nancy Schunke and husband Richard of Lubbock, TX, daughter Casey Owens Hanning of Springdale, AR, stepson Tim Slaughter and wife Kristen of Richardson, TX; grandchildren Cleo and Barrett Slaughter, Adalyn and Hank Hanning; step-grandchildren Corbin and Carson Hanning; sister-in-law San Clay; several nieces and nephews; her dog, Andy. She is preceded in death by her late husband, Duane Owens, and her parents Pitman Z. Sullivan and Dolores Sullivan Stroud, her stepdad C.A. Stroud, her brother Dan Sullivan, and her sisters Barbara Hawkins and Carole Gazella.

A celebration of Lorraine’s life will be held on May 20, 2023. at 1:00 pm at Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Flower Mound, TX with a gathering of friends to follow.  Graveside services will be held at 3:30 pm at Flower Mound Cemetery.

Thank you to Lakeridge Chapel and Memorial Designers in Lubbock, Texas, and Mulkey Mason Funeral Home, Lewisville, Texas for coordinating to bring Lorrie back to the area she called home for the biggest portion of her beautiful life.

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