Helen Lee Lane

Helen Lee Hurst Lane, age 93, passed away Tuesday, January 20. Born July 2, 1921, she was the fourth child of Jack and Estelle Hurst. She attended Leeds schools and graduated from Massey Business College. Afterwards she worked at Dupont in Childersburg until her marriage to Charles Lane in 1945, upon his return from active duty in the US Navy in World War II. In marriage and family life, Helen found her true vocation: wife, mother, homemaker and gardener. These were her happiest years - she loved her family. Charles and Helen were active members of the Leeds First Methodist Church, where Charles’ father, Charles Harper Lane, had served as pastor.

Following the untimely death of her husband in 1967, Helen resumed her career, holding several positions, including secretary of the Pharmacy department at Baptist Hospital Montclair. She reveled in the advent of her three grandchildren, who opened new vistas of joyful family life. And she seemed surprised that she lived long enough to welcome seven great-grandchildren, although she was “not trying to set any records.” Her life was long and full.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, an infant daughter, her beloved husband, and their only son, Patrick Lane. She is survived by her loving family: daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Richard Huie; grandchildren and spouses, Jennifer and David Craddock, Chuck and Sara Huie, and Martha and Brooks Emory; and seven great-grandchildren: Jack Craddock, Anna Lane Craddock, Jay Emory, Luke Craddock, Drew Emory, Thomas Huie and his little brother.

The family will receive friends Saturday, January 24, 3-5pm at Kilgroe Funeral Home in Leeds. Funeral service will be at the Leeds First United Methodist Church, Sunday January 25, at 2:00pm, with informal visitation an hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Cedar Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Leeds First United Methodist Church, where Helen and her family worshipped all her adult life.

Despite her failing body, Helen refused to grow old. She had a youthfulness of spirit which lasted a lifetime. This was due to the fact that at every stage of life, she sought and found a new task to fulfill, a particular way of being, of serving, and of loving. She overcame every obstacle and was a truly heroic Christian woman.

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Kilgroe Funeral Home, Leeds directing.