Carolyn Horton Lane

Carolyn Horton Lane was born in Norfolk, VA on June 13, 1943 to parents Theodore Roosevelt Horton and Minnie Hughes Horton. Having been raised in Greenville, SC where her father worked as a railroader (C&O), she was able to frequently travel to Richmond, VA visiting beloved aunts and uncles. Happy memories made with them continued into her adulthood when she was able to share the tradition with her son as they frequently visited aunts Jamie Hughes Wash and Kathleen Horton Moore. These visits lasted throughout Ian’s childhood and always included a trip to Morrison’s Cafeteria on Broad Street.

Life really began for Carolyn when she was accepted into George Washington University in Washington, DC. While earning her degree in sociology, she worked as an assistant to women’s civil rights activist, Alice Paul. Carolyn was always extremely proud of the education she received at GW. Throughout her lifetime, she would share many stories of her experiences and of the many close friendships formed during her time there.

Having fallen in love with Washington, she remained in the DC area for the rest of her life. After the rewards of working for Job Corps where she counseled and prepared underprivileged and marginalized youth for gainful and fulfilling employment and The University of Virginia as the Director of Admissions, School of Nursing, she eventually took a job with the federal government where she would remain until retirement. Following roles at USDA and The Department of the Army, she went on to work at the Pentagon in The Office of the Secretary of Defense as a management analyst. Highly regarded by leadership and peers alike, she forged a successful path for herself while making many dear and lifelong friends.

Perhaps her greatest accomplishment was her only son, Ian, whom she loved and cherished more than anything. Some of her happiest memories were of his teenage years and getting snowed in for days at a time in their home, surrounded by some of his best friends, many to whom she was like a second mother.

When Ian and Liz got married, Carolyn gained a daughter whom she loved, admired, and respected. As their Mimi, she was a proud and loving grandmother to AlanMichael and Brody, often making them laugh, sometimes without even trying!

Carolyn will be dearly missed and remembered for her sense of humor, her lavish generosity, her love of shopping, jewelry (gold bangles from wrist to elbow!), gardening, college basketball, and politics, but most of all for how dearly and unconditionally she loved and adored her son for whom she would do or give anything. “A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity. It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.” – Agatha Christie

A Memorial Service celebrating Carolyn’s life will be held on February 24, 2025, 11:00 AM at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, 308 Hanover St. Fredericksburg VA 22401.