Mary Jane Lane

Mary Jane Hayes Lane, lovingly known as “Memaw” and “MeMa,” passed away on April 18, 2026, in Wilmington, NC, at the age of 93. She was born on January 27, 1933, in Rocky Point, NC, where she was also raised. After graduating high school, she attended East Carolina University. She remained connected to her roots throughout her life, especially enjoying time spent with her Burgaw High School classmates at reunions over the years.

Mary Jane married Walter R. “Bob” Lane on June 13, 1953. They moved to Raleigh, NC, where she poured her heart into raising their family. During their time in Raleigh, Mary Jane was an active Realtor and Broker for many years. She and her husband also owned and managed a private club and restaurant, Del Reno’s, where they built lasting friendships and memories within the community. She was a proud member of the Raleigh Women’s Club and Raleigh Garden Club, where she especially enjoyed decorating the Capitol during the Christmas season. After the passing of her husband in 1997, she settled in Carolina Beach, NC, where she lovingly ran the family's motel, Sea & Sun.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Walter R. “Bob” Lane; her mother, Nora Wells Hayes; her father, James B. Hayes; and her brother, James Wells Hayes.

She is survived by her four children: Bobby Lane, Jimmy Lane (Jonelle), Billy Lane (Amy), and Sharon Evans (Edward). She was a proud Memaw and MeMa to Robert Lane (Alexis), Katie Lane (Meredith), Casey Lane (Veronica), Ashton Evans, Shelby Evans, and Darlene Morton (George). She was also a loving great-grandmother to Payton Lane, Cameron Lane, Austin Morton (Emily), and Ashley Morton, and a great-great-grandmother to Miles Morton.

Mary Jane will be remembered as the heart of her family—strong, selfless, and endlessly devoted to those she loved. She had a special way of making everyone feel welcome and cared for, always putting others before herself without hesitation. She was deeply loved by all who knew her, and her kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

She also found joy in simple moments, especially her mornings spent with her McDonald’s crew, sharing coffee, conversation, and laughter. Those friendships were a cherished part of her daily life and a reflection of the warmth and connection she brought wherever she went.

Her legacy lives on through the generations she raised and the countless memories she created with those who knew her as “Mom,” “Memaw,” and “MeMa.”

Visitation will be held at Coble Funeral & Cremation Service at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1155 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, North Carolina 28412, on April 25, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held at Coble Funeral & Cremation Service at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1155 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, North Carolina 28412, on April 25, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, with livestream available at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c2604222295720.