Lorraine Kephart Dovell, 83, of Front Royal, Virginia, passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Woods Cove Assisted Living.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 11 AM at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 West Main Street, Front Royal, with the Rev. Jim Bunce and Sammy Campbell officiating.
Mrs. Dovell was born on December 5, 1942, in Warren County, Virginia, to the late Luther and Lucy Compton Kephart. She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard “Dick” Dovell, and sister, Barbara Trettel. She was a librarian for Frederick County Public Schools from 1975 to 1977 and Warren County High School from 1977 to 1988, and assistant principal for Warren County High School from 1988 to 2001, when she retired. She was a member of the Virginia Education Association and the National Education Association. She was a member and past president of the Warren Heritage Society. She graduated from Warren County High School, Lord Fairfax Community College, Madison College, and James Madison University, where she earned her master’s degree in Library Science and Education Administration. Lorraine supported many community organizations, including the Humane Society of Warren County and the Warren County Retired Teacher’s Association. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Front Royal.
Lorraine was a devoted wife and mother. She enjoyed simple things in life, such as farming with her husband, putting puzzles together, writing books for family and friends, and donating her time to organizations such as the Warren County Heritage Society. She had a deep love for her six cats, whom she cared for even while in the assisted living facility. Her family, friends, and colleagues could always count on Lorraine for support and help. We will surely miss her saying things like “Absolutely!” and “Just enough!”.
Survivors include her daughter, Diane Lorraine Dovell; sister, Linda Jordan (King); best friend, Christine L. Foster, and her sister, Ruth E. Foster (Vic); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Warren County Heritage Society, 101 Chester Street, Front Royal, Virginia 22630; the Humane Society of Warren County, 1245 Progress Drive, Front Royal, Virginia 22630; or the Front Royal Volunteer Fire Department, 221 North Commerce Avenue, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.
