Lisa D. Gorman

On December 13, 1964, Lisa Deneen (Jones) Gorman was born to Delores Jones and Willie Gorman, Jr. At a young age, Lisa accepted Christ at Second Baptist Church in Benton Harbor, MI, where she was an active member of several ministries. Lisa was a faithful member of Lifequest Urban Outreach, in Grand Rapids, Michigan where she sang in the choir and performed various other ministerial duties. Lisa later accepted her calling into the ministry and was an ordained minister. As a devoted servant of the Lord, Lisa officiated memorial services, provided spiritual counseling, led praise and worship, performed wedding ceremonies, and participated in funeral services. Her selfless dedication earned her recognition as a pillar of light within the community. Although her bid for Second Ward Commissioner was unsuccessful, Lisa maintained her strong sense of community.

One of Lisa's greatest joys was the birth of her daughter, Nia Gorman, on December 5, 2006. As a loving mother, Lisa showered Nia with love and affection, ensuring she had access to opportunities equal to her peers. Together, Lisa and Nia established the Gorman Girls book libraries throughout the community.

Lisa graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1983. She was an accomplished student and exhibited a wide range of talents, including baking, broadcasting, canning, dancing, and quilting. Lisa's remarkable singing voice was particularly noteworthy, and she often performed renditions of Luther Vandross's "If This World Was Mine" and Anita Baker's "Sweet Love." Lisa furthered her education at Clark University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Atlanta, Georgia, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a Masters Degree, in Religion.

She was a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated of the Benton Harbor - St. Joseph Alumnae Chapter. She was a member of the BHHS Alumni Association and an active member of the BHHS Class of 1983. Her skills of fundraising and writing her 40th reunion souvenir book was filled with heartfelt memories and an act of love towards her classmates. In 2022-2023, Lisa participated in art programs by reading to middle school students in the Benton Harbor Area Schools and contributed to the "Chalk On The Walk" initiative alongside renowned author Julian VanDyke.

Lisa was an avid user of Facebook, and her final post was a tribute to the family of Neo-Soul singer Angie Stone who passed on March 1, 2025.

Lisa had recently begun a career at Chick-fil-A in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Her colleagues remembered her as a beacon of joy, faith, and love, whose presence was a blessing to all. As the Executive Director of Lighthouse Ministries in Benton Harbor, MI, Lisa developed and implemented various programs, including substance abuse services (AA/NA), an annual summer camp for children, and arts and crafts initiatives for youth. Lisa, worked for the Benton Harbor Area Schools as a Substitute Teacher.

Lisa leaves cherished memories with her daughter Nia. Sisters: Erica Huston, Dallas, Texas and Kimberly Gorman-Phillips, Benton Harbor, MI. Brothers: Dexter Jones, South Bend, Indiana; Cecil Huston, Benton Harbor, MI. Special relatives: Eva Gorman, Johnny A. Gorman, Tanesha Gorman-Henry; godmother, Annette Doss; nieces, nephews, cousins, and fur babies: Luna, Olivia, and Rocco.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Delores Jones and father, Willie Gorman Jr. sisters, Nina Hodger; Patricia Gorman-Booker, Carol Gorman - Vivertte, and Gwendolyn Gorman. brothers: Gary Gorman, Willie Gorman III, and Herbert Williams.

Lisa lived and celebrated a purpose filled life. Hours before she heard the trumpet sound, she was dancing, laughing, singing with friends, and her beautiful daughter Nia.

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