Lorraine Ann Clavette Walker, daughter of Cyril David (1898-1934) and Neva Marjorie (Case) (1903-1949) Clavette, was born 27 March 1928, South Bend, St. Joseph County, Indiana. Lorraine's father, Cyril, was a U of M graduate, mechanical engineer and owner of the Scientific Brake Company, Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan. Cyril, a World War I veteran, died after a two week battle with a virulent infection, 1 January 1934, leaving a widow and two young children, Lorraine and Bobby. Neva remarried a Canadian in 1938, Irving Ellis Walker. Lorraine and her brother used the surname Walker during their school years but were not named as children or survivors when Irving, born 26 November 1892, died in 17 October 1970, Pinellas County, Florida.
Lorraine graduated in 1945 from Okemos High School. She began attending Michigan State College but married Richard Rankin Rice, 30 August 1947, East Lansing, Ingham County.
Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Sunday 31 August 1947
CEREMONY IS HELD IN MCCUNE CHAPEL
Now honeymooning in New York are Mr. and Mrs. Richard R. Rice who were married Saturday at 6 p.m. in McCune chapel of People's church, East Lansing, before 100 guests. The bride is the former Miss Lorraine Ann Walker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Irving E. Walker, 5338 North Hagadorn road. Mr. Rice is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Rice of rock Island, Ill. Rev. Earl McCullough read the service.
The bride's gown was made of white slipper stain, designed with a gathered yoke, net puff sleeves which came to the top of the shoulder in a drop-shoulder effect, and a full skirt. Long white gloves extended above her elbows Her fingertip length veil fell from a high crown tiara sprayed with seed pearls. A white orchid topped her white prayer book.
Miss Kathrine Rich, maid of honor, wore sea blue taffeta, as did bridesmaids Miss Arlene Rice, of Rock Island, Ill., sister of the bridegroom, and Miss Phyllis Rice. Miss Patricia Brennan and Miss Betty Raymond wore canary yellow taffeta. The bridesmaids' gowns had tiny cap sleeves with a ruffle attached to both skirt and waist suggesting a peplum. Their hats were taffeta skull caps with the same color net gathered onto the hat and falling below their shoulders. They carried spray bouquets of white and yellow gladioli with contrasting ribbons.
Robert Walker, brother of the bride, was best man, and ushers were David Dail and Paul Hartsuff. "I Love You Truly" and "Because" were sung by Miss Betty Raymond and played by Edward Thayden.
The newlyweds greeted guests at a reception in the parlors of the Peoples church. Mrs. Walker, mother of the bride, wore an aqua crepe dress with brown alligator accessories. Her corsage was of gardenias. Mrs. Rice was attired in a forest green two-piece silk dress with frosty white and black accessories, and had a corsage of talisman roses.
The bride attended Michigan State college and the bridegroom will enter the University of Iowa this fall. The couple will be at home after September 23 in Iowa City, Ia.
Unfortunately Lorraine's mother died in 1949. She was interred next to Lorraine's biological father, Cyril, Mt. Hope Cemetery, Lansing.
Lorraine's husband, Richard Rice, went on to attain the rank of Major in the United States Air Force, serving during World War II, Korean Conflict and in Vietnam. Richard, born 29 June 1927, Michigan, died 23 July 1999, Alabama. Lorraine died 21 February 2015, Chilton County, Alabama. Lorraine and Richard were interred Verbena Cemetery, Chilton County.