Loretta Raiford

Loretta Q. Raiford (84) died June 2nd, 2024 at Bridgepoint Healthcare Center in Vincennes, Indiana with family by her side.

She was preceded in death by her parents Chester Lee Grasty and Minnie (Fleshman) Grasty, her husband of 54 years, Eddie Lee Raiford, her brothers Chester Lee Grasty Jr. and Thomas Grasty, niece Cassandra Grasty, and great-granddaughter Reina Wilson.

Loretta is survived by her three sons Todd Grasty & wife Kim of Georgia, Eddie Lee Raiford Jr. , wife Lenora of California, Michael Raiford of New York, and one daughter, Cynthia (Raiford) Selby of Indiana. Grandchildren Lataya (Grasty) Wilson, husband Richard Sr. of Georgia, Alea (Grasty) Moses, husband Chase of Georgia, Tanya Grasty of Florida, Courtenay Grasty of Georgia, Deanna (Grasty) Johnson & husband Tobias of Georgia, Eddie Lee Raiford III and Melba of Washington, Gavvin Raiford of California, Brian Raiford & wife Deonjala of Florida, Kenny Raiford & wife Natalie, and Moreya Raiford. One sister Claudine (Grasty) Wiggins and one brother Emanuel Grasty & wife Brenda of Maryland. 19 great-grandchildren and 22 great-great grandchildren. Plus, endearing nephews, nieces, lots of cousins, and many wonderful friends.

Loretta was born in West Virginia and graduated from Genoa Park High School. Thereafter, she moved to New York. She started a family with Eddie. Although having a family with young children she continued her education at L.A. Wilson Tech nursing school and graduated as an LPN. Loretta retired after 30 years from Albany State Veterans Hospital. Loretta loved her children and wanted them to have a secure and safe home. She enjoyed spending time with her children, making them feel loved. Likewise, she loved all her grandchildren and tried to spoil them with, as Lataya and Alea said "buying them dresses, and shoes for many special occasions". She loved surprising them and taking them to amusement parks, concerts, and Broadway shows. Yet, what she loved most was teaching people about the Bible.

Loretta was part of the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses in Copiague, New York from 1973 - 2017. During 1983-1988, Loretta volunteered in the full-time ministry for 1000 hours each year! She developed many friendships with the people that she spoke to and helped them to apply Bible principles in their lives. In 2017, she moved to Indiana and enjoyed being a part of the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses in Vincennes too. She went on to call Bridgepoint Healthcare Center her home. When visiting during rehab Loretta said "this place is nice". Upon returning for permanent residence in 2023, Loretta told her daughter "this is my home now". She truly enjoyed the food, music, the medical staff, and especially roommate calling her “my little girl!” While looking out the windows she often said it reminded her of the hills in West Virginia. She was often seen holding different residents’ hands to give them comfort and to tell them about our heavenly father, Jehovah, and his son, Jesus Christ. She wanted them to understand and feel happy too. She always wanted to give comfort. Loretta also had a reputation of being funny and quick-witted! We will cherish the good memories we have to help us through the grief of losing our loving and caring mom, grandma, great-grandma, great-great-grandma, aunt, sister, and friend.

A memorial service will be held July 22, 2024 at 2:00 pm at 1512 Bierhaus Blvd. Vincennes, Indiana 47591. A celebration of Life will be held Monday, July 22, 2024 from 4:00 Pm - 7:00 Pm at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home 524 Broadway Street, Vincennes, Indiana 47591. Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Loretta.