Mother Lillie Mae Lane

Mother Lillie Mae Lane was born November 12, 1948, to the late Rosetta Robinson King and L.C. King Sr. in Palestine, Arkansas. She was a loving mother, grandmother, educator, and faithful servant of the Lord. On Sunday, June 7, 2026, Mother Lane peacefully transitioned from labor to reward at Methodist Healthcare University Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Mother Lane accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was gloriously saved and filled with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost in 1976 at Nineveh Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Dr. Howard C. Smith Sr. She faithfully served the Lord with holiness, humility, and dedication throughout her life. In 1983, she united with Pine Tree Community Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Pastor Verlee Lucas, where she faithfully worshipped and labored alongside her beloved husband, Deacon Robert Lane, for many years. When her son, Elder Benjamin J. Lane Sr., was installed as Pastor of Willis Temple Church of God in Christ in 2014, Mother Lane faithfully followed and served under his leadership until her health declined. She served diligently as a Sunday School teacher, service conductor, one of the Mothers of the Church, and faithfully worked in the District Education Department. Her wisdom, prayers, nurturing spirit, and steadfast faith made her a pillar in both her church and community. Mother Lane attended the Forrest City School System and graduated from Lincoln High School with the Class of 1967. She furthered her education at Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College, now known as the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Continuing her pursuit of knowledge, she later attended Arkansas State University in Jonesboro while pursuing her Master’s Degree. Prior to entering the field of education, Mother Lane worked for an accounting firm and in clerical services. She later dedicated many years of faithful service as an educator in the Lee County School District and the Earle School District. She loved children deeply and believed strongly in discipline, education, structure, and encouraging young people to strive for excellence in life. On March 26, 1971, she married the love of her life, Deacon Robert Lane, and together they shared more than 53 years of marriage and five years of courtship before his passing in 2024. Their union was built upon love, faith, commitment, patience, and unwavering devotion. Together they raised their sons in the fear and admonition of the Lord, instilling strong values, respect, discipline, and a personal relationship with God. Through her prayers, guidance, and example, three of her sons answered the call into ministry: Elder Robert Lane Jr., Pastor Benjamin J. Lane Sr., and Elder David Lane. Mother Lane was known for her loving yet firm spirit. She was straightforward, honest, and carried herself with dignity and wisdom. She was an excellent wife, devoted mother, caring grandmother, and faithful woman of God who loved her family deeply. She enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles, attending church services, and spending time with those she loved. Her gentle smile, encouraging words, strong convictions, and unwavering faith left a lasting impression upon everyone who knew her. Mother Lane was preceded in death by her parents, Rosetta Robinson King and L.C. King Sr.; her beloved husband, Deacon Robert Lane; her daughters-in-law, Elizabeth Adams and Chentalia Doyle Lane; and her siblings, Linda Marie King, Betty Jean Carodine, L.C. King Jr., and Charles Edward King. She leaves to cherish her loving memories: eight sons, Wayne Adams-Lane; Robert (Angela) Lane Jr.; Cecil (Jerrilyn) Lane Sr.; Benjamin (Marla) Lane Sr.; Stephen (Tolishea) Lane Sr.; Michael (Stephanie) Lane; David (Lara) Lane; and Jason (Jerra) Lane; twenty-seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; three sisters, Helen Pendleton of Palestine, Arkansas, Mildred Lewis of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Lou Venie Hampton of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, former students, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Mother Lillie Mae Lane

November 12, 1948 - June 7, 2026