Lorenne Gurley Tippin, 86, Retired Special Education Administrator, died Saturday, February 20, 2016. Funeral Service will be at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, February 25, 2016, at First Evangelical Free Church. L. Lorenne Gurley Tippin was born October 7, 1929 in Wichita, KS to Edgar Keith Barrett and Letha Lewis Barrett along with her three brothers, Gene, Keith, and Jerry. Lorenne was married to John M. Gurley in 1948. To this union was born 4 children: Diana, David, Denise, and Keith. She was in her 30s when she was challenged to rear her children alone. Lorenne received her B.A. degree from Central State University at Edmond, OK, an M.S. from Emporia State University, and the Ed. Sp. Degree from Wichita State University. She taught in the Wichita school system and soon became the special education coordinator for USD 259. When her children were grown, Lorenne became an overseas missionary with the Baptist International Ministries. She traveled to Southeast Asia, where she continued her work with special needs children, by setting up programs for those students to receive an education and training teachers for the program. As a ministry for others, Lorenne wrote about many of her experiences as a single mom while managing a work environment. Her book, "From Grit to Grace" was published in 2003 and has been a help to many. In January of 2000, Lorenne married Robert E. Tippin and was blessed to become mother and grandmother to Sue, R.J., and Dick and their children. Lorenne was preceded in death by her parents, her three brothers, and her husband, Bob. She is survived by her children and their families, and the Tippin children and their families.

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