Emma Watts Lane

Emma was born in Newport, Tennessee on April 23, 1934 to Benjamin Jacob Watts and Alga Teague Watts. Emma was the eldest of many siblings: Alvin (Jean) Watts, BJ (Jan) Watts, Jerry (Linda) Watts, Becky (Phil) Kindred, and her beloved baby sister, Amanda Augusta Watts, who died in infancy. After graduating from Cocke County High School in Newport, Emma attended Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee. There, she earned her Bachelor of Education and a degree in Religion in 1956. She later also received her Masters of Education Degree and a Specialist Degree from West Georgia College.

A lifelong educator, Emma moved to Atlanta after college graduation and began teaching in Atlanta Public Schools where she met a fellow teacher, Ronald Lane, at James L. Key Elementary School in 1958. Emma and Ron married on August 15, 1959.

Emma and Ron resided in the Atlanta area and raised three children, Claire (Chris) Santuae, Scott (Beth) Lane, and Paige (Matt) Felter.

Emma enjoyed teaching middle school for many years in Fulton County Schools. After her retirement, she served for several years as a volunteer at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, helping children and families.

Emma adored her seven grandchildren: Avery, Grace, and Annie Lane, Jack and Greg Felter, and Mark and Mary Glen Santuae. Some of the greatest joys of Emma’s life came from extended family trips to Saint George Island, Florida, a beautiful tradition that strengthened the family’s bonds and created treasured memories for all.

Over the years, Emma was a faithful member of several churches, most notably Dogwood Hills Baptist Church, Northside Drive Baptist Church, and St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church. Later in life, she attended Roswell Presbyterian Church with Scott, Beth, and their children.

Emma was a remarkable mother, a wonderful cook, and a generous friend. She celebrated every birthday, Christmas, and Thanksgiving well. She was deeply loved by her family and many friends.

Emma is survived by her children, Claire (Chris), Scott (Beth), and Paige (Matt); and her seven grandchildren: Avery, Grace, Jack, Greg, Annie, Mark, and Mary Glen. She is also survived by her sister, Becky (Phil); brothers, Alvin (Jean) and BJ (Jan); beloved sister-in-law, Dottie (George) Lane; and many nieces and nephews.

The family thanks the staff at Arbor Terrace of Crabapple for their attentive, compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Episcopal Relief Fund, episcopalrelief.org, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, choa.org/tribute, or Roswell Presbyterian Church roswellpres.org.

A memorial service, interment, and reception will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 2 p.m. at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 3110 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA 30319.