Early Life and Family

Lora, the second child and first daughter of Aston and Thelma Warner, was born on Christmas Day in 1942. Her mother often chided Lora that her timely arrival meant she missed her Christmas dinner that year. Growing up, Lora was a devoted sister to Paul, Thelma, and Claudette. Though she tended to be quiet, Lora’s sense of humor and occasionally mischievous streak brought warmth to her family. She was also known for her ability to do things just right—a quality for which her siblings affectionately nicknamed her “Miss Perfect.”

Education

Lora started her education in Queens, New York, before continuing her studies in Kingston, Jamaica. Lora and Paul were sent first to live with their paternal aunt and uncle in Kingston. Thelema and Claudette followed when they were old enough. Their parents wanted the children to get the “British education”, that Jamaica could provide. They also wanted them to experience summer holidays on a Jamaican family farm with their maternal grandparents in Cross Keys. After returning to New York, Lora finished grammar school in Queens and graduated from Andrew Jackson High School, following her brother Paul. Lora then went on to pursue additional studies to become a licensed practical nurse.

Marriage, Family, and Career

In 1967, Lora married Raymond O’Daniel Saunders, a musician and recently discharged veteran of the Vietnam War. Their union was blessed with the birth of their only surviving

child, Melissa, in December 1968 When the marriage came to an end, Lora made the decision to return to school, where she successfully earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing.

For Lora, nursing was more than a profession—it was a true calling. Her natural

compassion, combined with her medical expertise and nursing skills, set her apart and. allowed her to touch the lives of many.

Lora ‘s skill and charm caught the eye of her future husband, Anthony Ortiz, a co-worker and a Vietnam War veteran, who she met while working at a drug rehabilitation medical clinic in Brooklyn, NY. They lived in Jamaica, NY before following Paul's move to Savannah, GA. Lora held the position of Occupational Nurse at International Paper Works, a role she maintained until her retirement.

Life in Savannah

Lora and Tony lived in their Oatland Island home in Savannah for most of their lives. Tony enjoyed fishing, and Lora joined him, eventually mastering crabbing and shrimping for their low country boil dinners. Skilled in horticulture, Lora grew various plants from seed, including a 10-foot orange tree, despite local advice that oranges were difficult to cultivate.

Sharing the Fruits of Generosity

Lora’s warmth and thoughtfulness extended well beyond her immediate circle. Her

generosity was often expressed in the simple, heartfelt gesture of sending packages of her delicious oranges, grapefruits, limes and avocadoes to family and friends. These thoughtful deliveries became cherished reminders of her enduring connection to loved ones, no matter the distance.

Her gardening and landscaping became a great joy for her and where she would share her expertise with all who visited. Lora and Tony’s Savannah home was a gathering place filled with warmth, hospitality, and joy, regularly entertaining family and friends. Her home became a cherished destination for nephews and nieces, who delighted in spending time with Aunt Lora and Uncle Tony, creating lasting memories through their visits.

Family Support and Cherished Gatherings

While raising Melissa in this home, Lora was a deeply loving and generous mother to

Melissa, cherishing her only child and ensuring she was always provided for in every way. Lora was also a doting, adoring grandmother to Kasai, Melissa’s only child.

Lora continued to play a vital role in supporting her family by caring for her nephew, Paul Jr. Brother Paul recalls: “Lora’s sisterly love for me and motherly affection in caring for my son, Paul, Jr, allowed me to travel for business & advance my career”

Her nephew, Amani recalls his Aunt Lora in this way: “My Aunt Lora was one of the sweetest people imaginable. Like a second mother for a significant (and influential) part of my childhood, she was a loving confidence booster and pride instiller. As a mother, aunt, wife, sister, grandmother, daughter, and even as a nurse, no matter the relationship, she brought a caring, nurturing affection. She was easy to talk to, confide in, and was a kind and gentle spirit. That spirit will live on, as she will be missed, and strongly remembered” Amani’s quote speaks for Lora’s entire family.

Lora Claire:

Lora was skilled in decorating and sewing, shown by her lovely home, and the clothes and costumes she made for Melissa. She also crafted wedding dresses for friends. Lora loved shopping and had rooms filled with what seemed like half of Macy’s and Belk’s. Lora would send the most beautiful and inspiring greeting cards for every occasion.

Thelema says she has kept and treasured hundreds of these cards sent over the years.

Lora loved music, jazz and the classics. She was quite the jazz aficionado in her day.

She was considerate and fun-loving but also maintained traditional views regarding appropriate behavior for herself and others.

As giving and generous as she was, she was still very private. She kept her troubles to

herself. You never heard her complain about any difficulties in her life.

Lora’s spiritual beliefs were shaped by Christian Unity principles and her membership in the Unity Church of Savannah.

After Tony passed away, she lived a very private life, when her family was not around. This was reinforced by the remote location of her home. Over time, her health began to decline. It was then we found it necessary to bring her to live with us in Atlanta. Melissa became her primary caregiver when she was diagnosed with dementia. As it progressed, Melissa found care in a personal care home, with a loving and caring caregiver, Annita. It was in her home that our beloved Lora breathed her last breath and joined her husband, parents, sister, Caludette, and the ancestors on August 8, 2025, 13 years after her beloved.

Tony.

Lora, for all that you have been and all that you have done for every member of this family, and others, and just being the wonderful person, we are eternally grateful. We will forever love and miss you.

Lora is survived by her daughter Melissa; her brother Paul and sister Thelema; her nephews Amani

and Khalid; nieces Kalimah, Hakika, and Dana; and grandnephews Malik, Aston and Walter; grandnieces Jasmine and Nyla; cousins Hope, Ruth, Portia, Pauline, Mell; Maureen, Horace, Colin, Peter, Donna, and Akilah in Canada; plus many other relatives and friends.