Lorene Garland

An Amazing Woman, who ran an Amazing Race”

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and be of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

On the 1st day of October 2020, as morning transitioned into day, and the coolness of the morning faded away, God looked down from heaven and saw her delicate face and peacefully took her into his arms. Now Heaven is her final resting place.

Ms. Lorene Garland; a dedicated mother, inspirational grandmother, and knowledgeable sister, peacefully slipped into the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. During the year of 1944 on the 9th day of February in rural Caswell County, North Carolina, Lorene was born to the late James W. Garland and Rachel Willis Garland and became one of eight children. Being a family that was deeply rooted in the church, she joined High Rock Baptist Church and became a dedicated worker and was one of the first members to be a part of the Junior Choir.

Lorene matriculated through the local and public schools of Caswell County and was a proud graduate of Caswell County High, Class of 1962. Upon graduation, Lorene left North Carolina and pursued better opportunities for education in Business School and employment in Washington, D.C. with hopes of creating better opportunities for her family left behind. Her assertiveness and skillful attitude gave her the opportunity to work for National Health Insurance (NHI). After several years of working in D.C, in 1974, she was called to create a team of highly qualified women who moved to Macon, Georgia to work for the Government Employees Insurance Company also known as GEICO. Once the perfect opportunity presented itself, Lorene was able to leave Georgia and move back to North Carolina, where she spent the remainder of her life in the High Rock Community. Showcasing her compassion and dedication to help those who may be less fortunate, Ms. Garland as she was affectionately known, worked for the Caswell County and Orange County Department of Social Services. After 20 years of commitment to the county, she retired as a supervisor with an impeccable reputation amongst all that she touched.

As a tenacious mentor, Lorene offered her services in the community and quenched her appetite for politics by working with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People- Caswell County Chapter, Sisters on the Move, Voters League, Local Board of Democratic Party, and as a Voting Poll Station worker. For years Ms. Garland worked with Apostle Faiger Blackwell at Pinnacle Studios helping to execute his vision and purpose and ensured each year the National Prayer Breakfast was handled correctly, skillfully, and gracefully.  

A loving and supportive mother for her only son, LaMarc Garland and a tremendous grandmother to Laia and Lauren Garland. She has a special relationship with her daughter in law- Kaminda who was great with her.  Her family was of the utmost importance to her and she did all that she could for each and every one. She was the “glue” that held the Garland family together. 

Strong in faith, she studied and lived according to the scriptures of the bible. As a member of the High Rock Baptist Church, she served as the former President of the Usher Board, Kitchen Committee, Cemetery Committee, and Pastor Aid committee. Oftentimes, she would be seen in worship with the members of Sweet Gum Grove Missionary Baptist Church never missing one Sunday Service while her health permitted.

Lorene is proceeded in death by; her parents, James and Rachel Garland, one sister, Bessie Oliver Madden; her brothers James Garland, Norton Garland, and Robert Garland; and four nephews.

Those left behind to be encouraged by her words of wisdom, that remind us to “be determined, be strong, be courageous, be prayerful but never give up or be afraid”. She leaves behind in love her son, LaMarc Garland (Kaminda) of Blanch, NC ; two granddaughters, Laia Garland of Charlotte, NC and Lauren Garland of Blanch, NC ; three sisters, Stella Graves and Monnie Glass of Blanch, NC and Cora Turner (Carl) of Reidsville, NC ; three sister in laws, Bettie Garland, JoAnn Garland, and Mary Garland; special cousin and friend, Cora Poteat Long. As well as a host of beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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