Lorana M. Sherman, 80, of Lebanon, PA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital. She was the beloved wife of Rev. James E. Sherman, and together they shared a life of faith and ministry. On April 22, 2026, they would have celebrated 59 years of marriage.
Born at home on Feb. 2, 1945, in Lyons Falls, NY, Lorana was the daughter of the late Leo J. and Mattie (Green) Moshier. From an early age, her life was shaped by faith and music. As a young girl, she traveled with her mother, singing at revival services—an experience that laid the foundation for a lifetime of ministry.
Lorana graduated from high school at God’s Bible School in Cincinnati, OH, and later attended Adirondack Bible College, where she met Jim Sherman. The two fell in love and were married in 1967 in Port Leyden, NY. That same year, Lorana stepped fully into the role of a pastor’s wife—a calling she embraced with grace, strength, and devotion.
Together, Lorana and Jim pastored churches in Camden, NY, where they welcomed four children, followed by ministry in Windsor, NY, and later in North Carolina, where they served a Congregational Methodist Church. In later years, they ministered alongside Barry Arnold at the Lebanon Gospel Center in Lebanon, where Lorana was a faithful and cherished member.
Lorana was known for her love of music. She enjoyed singing and playing both the organ and the accordion. She was a gifted hostess who loved entertaining, traveling, and caring for others. Her family fondly remembers her as an exceptional cook, especially for her lasagna, which was always requested at family gatherings.
In her later years, Lorana faced the challenges of illness with quiet dignity. Even as her health declined, she remained surrounded by love and care, a reflection of the life she had poured into others.
In addition to her husband, Lorana is survived by her children, Jonathan E. (Sheri) Sherman, of Lebanon, PA, Laura L. (Matt) Crocker, of Myerstown, PA, James A. (Dawn) Sherman, of Adamstown, PA, Sharron M. (Tim) Teed, of Easley, SC, and Tonya Sherman, of Salisbury, NC, wife of her late son John Sherman; brothers, John (Veronica) Moshier, of Henderson, NY, and Grant Moshier, of Constableville, NY; sisters, Betty Leffingwell, of Camden, OH, Lila (Carl) Gozalkowski, of Port Leyden, NY, Marlene (Henry) Hudler, of Rutherfordton, NC, and Jenny Slade, of Henderson, NY; 10 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. In addition to her parents and her son, John, Lorana was preceded in death by her brothers, Leo and Vince Moshier; and sisters, Freda Catlin and Helen Williams.
Lorana will be remembered as a woman of faith, dignity, and devotion—a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful partner in ministry whose life touched many.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at Kreamer & Lum Funeral Home & Crematory, Jonestown. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery, Myerstown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lebanon Gospel Center, 27 N. 10th St., Lebanon, PA 17046.
