Mrs. Shirley A. Lane

The Life of Shirley A. Lane Shirley Ann Lane was born on May 15, 1937, in Goldsboro, N.C. to the Late Jessie Herring Sr. and the late Pearl Matthews Herring. Shirley was the third child of seven siblings, all who have passed on before her: the Apostle Hilda Flowers Cooper, Jessie Herring, Jr., Earl Herring, Raymond Herring, Nathaniel Herring and Hose Herring. Shirley was married to Eddie Lane, also of Goldsboro, N.C. on July 7th, 1956, until his death on June 27th, 1973. Shirley and Eddie had two children, a son, Ronald Anthony Lane and a daughter, Denise Michelle (Heidi) Lane Porter. Shirley graduated from Dillard High School in Goldsboro, N.C. where she was an honor roll student. She continued her education at Delaware State University and later attended North Carolina A & T State University where she was a proud Aggie and earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration in 1978. Shirley went on to obtain her Master’s degree in Business Administration from Michigan State University where she also graduated with honors. During the entire time that she pursued her education she continued to be an employed young widow while raising her family. To say that she was driven was an understatement. She was committed to her family and truly valued education. Shirley was a faithful civil servant and proudly worked for the Federal Government for over 35 years. Her last employment was with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) where she worked for 15 years prior to her retirement in January 1995. Shirley continued to be active in her community after her retirement. She would tutor underprivileged children, working with them in building up their self-esteem and reading skills. She volunteered her time in her community for whatever was required. She also served as a Deaconess in several churches and was an official member of Greater Mt Calvary Church in Washington, D.C. Shirley also served as President of the National Association of Federal Retirees for the D.C. Chapter. Shirley was a shining example of hard work and determination. She was dedicated to her family and friends and was known to offer her support to family members as well as helping strangers. Shirley had an affinity for children and the elderly. Most of the neighborhood, wherever she would live, would refer to her as “Ma Lane”, a title she answered to proudly. She was a true matriarch and a community leader. Those that knew her knew she spoke her mind and you never had to guess how she felt about things. We will miss her great sense of humor, her laughter, her smile but most of all we will miss her unconditional love. Those left to cherish the memories of Shirley’s love are son, Ronald Lane (Michelle); daughter, Denise Porter (Ron); 5 grandchildren, Courtney Bell, Ayaz Porter, Ayana Porter, Miyanna Lane (deceased) and Jadon Lane; 3 great grandchildren, Marquis Bell, Corinne Bell and Marcus Bell Jr. She is also survived by a host of other family members and friends. Memorial Video may be viewed on link below: https://youtu.be/7BvmCFTO4uU

Mrs. Shirley A. Lane

May 15, 1937 - January 10, 2023