Helen Elizabeth Lane
Warning: getimagesize(): Filename cannot be empty in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 139
Warning: Division by zero in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 142
“Jesus is love.” These three words stand as the foundational pillars embodying the life of Helen Elizabeth Lane. Known as “Gram” by her grandchildren and friends of her grandchildren, her sense of love was only rivaled by her humorous antics. She passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2018, of pneumonia.
Thriving past the age of 92, she was born August 19, 1925, in Eldersville, to Mary Clay Lane and Daniel Lane.
At age 13, she lost her mother to leukemia. She lovingly raised her younger sister, Marie, who was born with Down Syndrome. At a time when special needs children were institutionalized, she was determined to provide the highest level of care for Marie while her father worked as a coal miner. She sacrificed her own formal education to care for Marie. Make no mistake, had she been provided with educational opportunities, her raw intellect would have propelled her to the highest level of any profession of her choosing.
She was a mother, grandmother, sister, friend and devoted Christian. During times of trouble, she could be counted on for providing a Bible verse that was fitting for the occasion. She cooked the best chicken and dumplings, but she was known to burn a pork chop or two. She loved dancing at Prince concerts, cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers, traveling with her family, reading grocery store circulars, scratching off lottery tickets, making herself the center of attention and – like many born during the Great Depression – keeping household items way past their usefulness. Her selflessness was unparalleled. In her 70s, she single-handedly raised her grandchildren, Kristi Lane Scott, Kelly Perez and William Lane. She leaves behind loving family and friends.
She will be laid to eternal rest in Green Wood Cemetery, Sharpsburg. A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, January 19, in Nazareth Baptist Church, Washington.