Funeral: Lora Etta Rainey

Lora Etta Sims (Rainey) was born August 23, 1937, in Trimble, MO to Lee and Edith Sims…and departed this life October 19, 2022, at her home here in Kansas City at the age of 85 years, 1 month, and 26 days.

Growing up, Lora was the second oldest of the four surviving children of her mother, Edith—having lost one child at birth. Her siblings were three brothers—Robert, Lester, and Henry. Being the only girl, she was often left to her own devices, which she would recount was at times hard…and at times the greatest thing in the world.

In 1955 she graduated from Smithville HS. Later on, as part of an opportunity related to one of her jobs, Lora would attend UMKC and achieve her degree in Secondary Education.

Throughout her life Lora became known as a jack-of-all-trades…a hard worker, who closed down most of the places at which she worked. A couple of the more intriguing occupations she had: one, she worked for GM for 13 years from the early 70s to the early 80s. During those years, she became one of the first female maintenance workers at the Leads plant; two, from 2001-2004, she opened “Lori’s Snack Shack” in the city here…a job which helped her and Karen provide for their needs while also allowing flexibility for family needs at the time.

Family…Lora was married twice. While these relationships eventually ended in heartbreak and divorce…our Lord blessed her with three children—Ricky and Ronnie Raines, and Karen (Raines) Brantner…then came her grandchildren—Philip, Hanna, Leah, Jessica, Cecilia, Brandon, Tory, and Tessa…and then came the great grandchildren—(breath)…of which she had 14!! The blessing of family, immediate and extended family to be sure!

As for Lora’s faith background…she grew up with her Mom’s emphasis on church and the things of Scripture…attending Trimble Baptist Church and Paradise Baptist Church…(to this emphasis we will return a little bit later in this service).

Lora enjoyed various interests. She wrote some poetry…enjoyed reading, especially murder mysteries (John Grisham being a favorite…& a good one, I agree)…[[Lora was a member of the William Boydston chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution]]…interestingly she was somewhat of a homebody…BUT later in life, Karen got her into a water aerobics class. Quite an accomplishment for someone who had long been terrified of the water—and then she took up FOR 10 YEARS teaching a water aerobics class. The ladies of her classes simply loved her!!!

Variously described as opinionated (and let’s be honest…who isn’t?!), maybe even stubborn (she simply was determined to live life her way). Some saw her as a feisty “stinker” while others saw her as the sweetest and kindest of people.

Lora Etta Rainey was preceded in death by her parents: Lee & Edith; two brothers: Robert & Henry; and her sons: Ricky & Ronnie. She is survived by her brother: Lester; her daughter: Karen; her grandchildren and great grandchildren; as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

Memories

Lester Sims

___________

Letter from Lora:

Remember Me

The day will come when my mind and heart will cease to function. Do not try to keep me earth bound by artificial life support. Allow my soul to be released to the higher realm. Now that I am through with the body in which I once resided, do not lock it in a coffin to be buried in the earth separated from the life forces. Do not let my life end here but put it back in motion to create a better life for those living and yet to be born. Remember me: When an old disease has been eradicated because of medical research. When a once blind person can see the wonders of the world with donor eyes. When a teenager survives a car wreck with donor blood. When a damaged organ has been replaced with a donor organ. When a crippled child walks on donor muscle and bones. When the flowers bloom and the grass grows on the ashes of life. If you must bury something, bury all my faults, weaknesses and any prejudices I might have had against my fellow man. Give life with my body and give my soul to God. Celebrate life as proof that I had a purpose for once being here instead of mourning my passing. And when by chance you wish to remember me in the future, do it with a kind deed or word to someone who needs you. If you do all I have asked I will live forever. "Pass it forward." Farewell until we meet again. Your loving Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, Niece and Friend forever. Lora Etta

Song: “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty”

Message

At a time like this we talk about many things. We share memories. We laugh. We cry. We hurt. Family, to mourn and grieve the loss of your loved one is normal and right. A significant person in your life is no longer here. As we talked about earlier, please continue sharing your stories with one another. Laugh and cry together. Remember, you will never get over this…and that is normal and right, too. Sure, you will adjust to this new situation in your lives, but your relationship with Lora is just too significant to ever “get over” it. In fact, there will be times when you find yourself wishing for, longing for just one more conversation. Just one more family gathering. Just one more time together. Trust me, I get it.

In fact, today, I believe if we could have that opportunity for that conversation, that cup of coffee around the table…I believe Lora would want to share with us a few important truths she now knows better than any of us sitting here today. I am hopeful that everyone here—family and friend alike—will be able to find a personal and lasting hope for your life when considering the reality of death.

FIRST TRUTH: GOD IS REAL.

The Bible begins not by trying to prove that God exists, but rather spotlights Him front and center as the One who brings everything else into being and keeps it all together.

Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Romans 11:33-36 “Oh, the depth of the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and untraceable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? And who has ever given to God, that he should be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.”

God exists. I wholeheartedly believe this to be true. I pray you already believe this…or that you would come to believe this today...

SECOND TRUTH: WHAT GOD HAS SAID IS TRUE.

We find it in the Bible…and every word of it is true! From the account of God choosing to create everything we have had the privilege of exploring and enjoying (from the deepest part of the oceans to the farthest reaches of outer space)—what a magnificent artist!...to God choosing to show Himself to the world through the Hebrew people—His mighty ability to save (parting the Red Sea, Noah’s ark…

Isaiah 59:1 “Indeed, the Lord’s arm is not too weak to save, and his ear is not too deaf to hear.”

and his perfect character (perfect love and perfect justice). He has promised peace that passes understanding…

Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

When we read all God has said, especially in the New Testament, we read of God’s ultimate plan, which leads us to the third (& final) truth…which I believe with all my heart Lora would want us to be sure we know…

THIRD TRUTH: THE GREATEST TRUTH GOD HAS REVEALED IS ABOUT JESUS CHRIST AND OUR RELATIONSHIP TO HIM.

This is what my friend in college would say is the bottom line. All of what God has said draws us to focus on Jesus Christ, the one and only Son of God. In the Bible, God says that Jesus was born to be…

Luke 2.10-12 “But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.””

Jesus fulfilled that purpose by going to the cross and dying for our sin. The Bible says...

Hebrews 12.2 “keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

This fact is our hope. The strength to face death with confidence is to repent of your sin and place your faith in Jesus Christ to be your Savior and Lord. He is the one who stays closer than any brother and brings us that peace that passes understanding. I pray that everyone here has that hope and source of strength in their lives. Family, as you seek the strength you need for the days ahead, you will find it in the precious memories of your relationship with Lora…and, most importantly, in entrusting yourself to the truth God has revealed to us in His word.

Song: “Amazing Grace”

Prayer

Dismissal

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