Ms. Mary A. Lane

Mary A. Lane, 79 of Peoria, Illinois went to be with the Lord at 8:31 AM on May 30, 2019. She transitioned peacefully while surrounded by her family and being held by her loving daughter Lori in Atlanta, Georgia. Mary was born June 25, 1939, in Tippo, Mississippi to Lee Vie Crowder and Mary Lou Ringo. She was an only child, but had lots of aunts, uncles and cousins. Mary was raised in Mississippi for a short while before moving with her family to Memphis, Tennessee. After a brief stay in Memphis the family moved again to Bloomington, Illinois and eventually settled in Champaign, Illinois where Mary spent her formative years, married and raised her children. Mary married Edward Lane in 1956 and they had 5 children, Cheryl, Derrick, Christopher, Mike and Lori. Mary landed a job at the main Post Office in Champaign, Illinois and was a dedicated employee for many years. Toward the end of her tenure there, she was promoted to Post Master for the “Station A” Post Office at the University of Illinois Campus. Mary moved to Peoria, Illinois in 1977 after her sons finished school, taking her 12-year-old daughter Lori with her. She made Peoria her home for the next 42 years. She worked at various jobs and eventually became a Claims Adjuster for Aetna Insurance from where she retired in 2011. Mary was an excellent cook, a skill passed down to her from her mother “Big Mary” who was a professional cook by trade. Mary would often cook 5 course meals for herself, but was glad to cook some of her specialty dishes for anyone who needed food or requested her famous Chicken & Dumplings, Greens, Lemon Lush desert or any of the many others dishes she excelled in preparing. Mary was a doting mother and went out of her way, sometimes working two jobs, to make sure her children were well cared for and had everything they needed. She made sure Lori had the things she dreamed of and even once made her a humongous Castle Cake for her birthday. She supported Lori through college and even after Lori married, nurtured a close mother-daughter relationship - traveling, shopping, cooking and celebrating family together. Mary supported her sons’ musical dreams in any way she could. She drove them to gigs, bought equipment and gave of her money and time. She loved to see them perform and was very proud of their successes. Mary loved all her children and was equally proud of them all. She also shared her love and wisdom with her grandchildren. She spent quality time with them, loving on them and they all deeply loved her. She also created a loving bond with some of the children she babysat and the children of life-long friends. She was a second mother and grandmother to many. Mary was also a faithful member of Rising Sun Christian Church under the leadership of Pastor John Gibson for over 30 years. She gave of her time, talent and treasure to support the ministry. She would go with Rising Sun when they visited other local congregations and traveled to nearby cities for fellowship. She was a member of the Usher Board and made her “famous” dishes for various events. Mary’s faith was strong and you would always see her reading her Bible or occasionally listening to the audio Bible. Whenever asked how she dealt with being diagnosed with cancer, Mary would reply, “I pray on it and I sleep good”. It was fitting that her Pastor John Gibson sang the gospel favorite “I Won’t Complain”, at Mary’s Celebration of Life party. Mary’s passing leaves an enormous void in the hearts of her family, friends, church and community. Mary leaves behind to cherish her precious memory 3 children: Christopher (Lisa) Lane of Valencia, California; Michael (Gayle) Lane of Columbus, Ohio; Lori (Garry) Robinson of Atlanta, Georgia; 16 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and a host of cousins, relatives and friends who deeply loved her. A special thanks is extended to Georgia Thomas a special cousin of Florissant, Missouri. Mary was preceded in death by her father, mother and 2 children, Ricky and Cheryl. Funeral services will be held at 12 Noon on Thursday, June 13, 2019 at Rising Sun Christian Church with a visitation one-hour before the service beginning at 11 AM. Pastor John Gibson will officiate. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.

Tributes

Ms. Mary A. Lane

June 25, 1939 - May 30, 2019