Rev. Lynn C. Gorman

Lynn Carol Gorman was born November 20, 1951, the first child of Carolyn Gorman (nee Cozad) and John P. Gorman. Lynn was known for her long history of compassionate work as a minister and as a counselor to others. Although quiet by nature she had a forceful spirit when motivated by her faith in God and her commitment to advocating on public health issues and for the rights of individuals, and groups facing discrimination. In her later years she felt the need to enhance her advocacy for the rights of others by running for public office. She most recently was the Democratic candidate to represent Ohio’s 48th District.

Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Lynn spent close to 70 years as a resident of Northeastern Ohio. She graduated from Mentor High School in 1969, and was active on their reunion committee. She attended Lakeland Community College and obtained her BS degree from Kent State University (cum laude). She pursued ongoing coursework in subjects related to her ministry and was just a thesis shy of completing a Masters of Liberal Arts Studies.

Lynn was an ordained pastor and licensed by the State of Ohio. She held the position of Chaplain for the National Women Veterans Conference in Denver, Colorado where she advocated for members, spoke on Veterans’ rights at National Conventions and founded a Support Group for Sexually-Abused Female Veterans. She also worked as a group home manager and shift supervisor at facilities for developmentally disabled adults, adolescents, and children. Lynn also worked as a paralegal at a law firm and was administrator for a public accounting and tax preparation firm.

After her ordination, Lynn helped to start and was pastor for the non-denominational Hope Christian Family Fellowship Church in Barberton. Later, she grew her Christ the Shepherd Ministries organization in Akron. She provided outreach programs to local schools and for incarcerated adolescents and young adults. She also provided outreach to individuals and their families dealing with drug & alcohol addictions; and developed programs for seniors in residential facilities.

She wrote and published a book, Jake & The Rev (2010), detailing her faith and spiritual experiences with a young man that reinforced God’s plan for her and others. She was most recently a member of and very active with her church, the New Life Episcopal Church in Uniontown.

As a younger woman, Lynn was an avid and competitive golfer and athlete. She worked as a physical education teacher and as a trainer. As a ‘senior’, Lynn competed as a discus-thrower in the local Gay Games, and became a medalist at the Global Games in Paris, 2018.

Many in the Stark County area have gotten to know Lynn through her very active and passionate involvement in social justice and political issues and organizations. She had been an ever-present participant with voter registration, candidate mentoring and support, working at the polls, and doing dedicated activities on behalf of candidates and issues. She belonged to the Stonewall Democrats, Jefferson-Jackson Democrats, League of Women Voters, Democratic Women, and Stark County Democrats.

Lynn was preceded in death by her spouse of over 40 years, Denise K. Prowell. She is survived by a brother Patrick (spouse Paula of Rockville, Maryland), two nieces (Mary and Elizabeth), a nephew (Joseph) and numerous cousins. Lynn will be remembered by many as a kind and caring person, a loyal and committed friend, and as a source of inspiration.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for donations to the Education Fund of the Canton League of Women Voters. Donations may also be made to the American Cancer Society or any favorite charitable organization.