Lorraine Elliott Loftis

LORRAINE LOFTIS OBITUARY

Lorraine Loftis (nee Elliott), 85, a long-time real estate agent of Karafotias Realty, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 4, 2018. Lorraine was an avid patron of the historic Druid Hills neighborhood and volunteered for many organizations over her lifetime. She will be remembered fondly as a pillar in the local community. Many will remember her for her keen sense of style, her warm and generous nature, her vivacious personality and creative parties. She is predeceased in death by James H. Loftis, her dearly departed husband of 35 years.
Lorraine was born on July 30, 1932. She grew up in New York City in the Jackson Heights area and attended Hunter College. After graduation, she and her family moved to the Emory area of Atlanta. Once in Georgia, Lorraine began her teaching career at Tucker Elementary School.

In 1961, Lorraine met and married James H. Loftis, a local businessman and southern gentlemen.

Lorraine became interested in real estate and joined Karafotias Realty in 1982, only three years after its inception. Her contacts in the community and her civic activities were instrumental in the beginning and continued success of Karafotias Realty. Lorraine was a loyal colleague and friend and she remained with Karafotias Realty for her entire lengthy real estate career.

As a resident of the Druid Hills area, Lorraine was an active member of the Lullwater Garden Club. She became a member in 1964 and by 1966, she was elected President and held that office until 1968. She was involved locally at the District Level and at the State Level. She has served on their board for more than 30 years. She was currently serving as the Fourth Vice-President charged with Conservatory Rentals of the Dekalb County Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. She was a Charter member of the DeKalb Federation’s Life Membership program. She also served as the Redbud District Director for the 1997-1999 term. For the past 16 years, she also served as a liaison with Stone Mountain Park for the District’s Yellow Daisy Flower Show. In 2009, Lorraine chaired the Yellow Daisy Show, entitled “Daisy Trips the Light Fantastic”. In addition, she served on the Garden Club of Georgia’s Board for more than 20 years and was considered an Emeritus Board Member.

Lorraine was instrumental in the coordination between the DeKalb Federations of Garden Clubs and the Callanwolde Foundation. This work led to the renovation of the Callanwolde Mansion and building of the DeKalb Federation of Garden Clubs’ Garden Center. Lorraine served on the Callanwolde Board of Trustees from its inception for several years. HANDS was the acronym for “Home and Neighborhood Development Sponsor,” a major umbrella project of the DeKalb Federation during the 1970’s and Lorraine was the Chairman. Principal activities involved major landscape projects, work with local schools and a large art show. She was influential in getting grants for student Landscape Architects to research and produce drawings to restore the gardens at Callanwolde. One of her greatest accomplishments was securing permission for the DeKalb County Federation of Garden Clubs to restore and maintain the Conservancy as their headquarters. The enclosure and paving of the 33’ X 55’ courtyard is one result of HANDS and remains today as a vital Callanwolde venue area.

In 2016, Lorraine was honored for all her wonderful contributions to the garden club community and was the recipient of DeKalb Federation’s Life Member of the Year award.

Lorraine was also involved in community activities including being a member and supporter of Emory Presbyterian Church and the Druid Hills Civitan Club, Inc.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to one of charitable organizations that Lorraine supported. These include: Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, Druid Hills Civitan Club, Inc., Emory Presbyterian Church or the DeKalb County Federation of Garden Clubs.

She is survived by her daughter, Nanette H. Loftis, and her many nieces and nephews.

A reception will be held in Lorraine’s honor at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center on Friday, February 9, 2018 at 2:00 pm. A memorial service will follow at 4:30 pm at Emory Presbyterian Church.