Elaine Lane Obituary

LANE, Elaine

Elaine Gladney Lane of Dallas, Georgia, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, January 5, 2025 at Manor Lake Assisted Living in Hiram. She was an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, volunteer, and friend.

Elaine was born in Bremen, Georgia on May 20,1936 to T.J. and Tommy Gladney. She and her identical twin, Barbara, were born premature yet lived and thrived, and were not only sisters, but the best of friends! She attended public schools in Bremen, was the cheerleader Captain at Bremen High School and her first job was as a "soda jerk" at the local drug store. After graduation she attended Auburn University (then called Auburn Polytechnic Institute), earning an Associates Degree, prior to marrying William Robert Lane, Sr. of Carrollton, Georgia in May of 1956. They had met at Auburn her freshman year, but there was much confusion until he discovered she had an identical twin! Elaine and Robert had one child, William Robert Lane, Jr. (Bob), who she loved and adored and was most proud of. They moved to Dallas in 1963.

In Dallas, Elaine quickly became the consummate volunteer. She served for sixty-one years in many capacities at Paulding Memorial Hospital, now known as Wellstar Paulding Hospital. She also volunteered for the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, the March of Dimes and other non profit organizations. She hosted Bridge Club and Women's Missionary Union meetings in her home, grew vegetables and flowers and provided meals for families in her church who were sick or bereaved. Also, Elaine was a loyal friend to many and enjoyed social gatherings until recently. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Dallas from 1963 until her death and was active in her Sunday School class and in leadership positions. She was also a tireless caregiver to her husband as he grew ill. Elaine was the epitome of a selfless Christian servant and lived a life that honored God.

She was a great fan of all things Auburn, attending football games for years with her husband and friends. She also enjoyed attending the Master's Tournament in Augusta.

She loved her family and they loved her! Her grandchildren and later her great-grandchildren loved their time with her and cuddling in her lap.

Elaine was predeceased by her loving parents, Tommy and T.J. Gladney; her devoted husband of 51 years, William Robert Lane, Sr.,and her precious sister, Barbara Gladney Cauthen.

Her survivors include her only child, William Robert "Bob" Lane, Jr. (Stacy) of Macon; her grandchildren, Joshua Lane (Betsy) of Augusta, Matthew Lane (Christina) of Charleston, South Carolina, Maggie Cunningham (Myles) of Atlanta, T.J. Lane of Macon, and Sarah Rose Lane of Atlanta. Her great-grandchildren, whom she adored, are Ada Lane, Eli Lane, Bert Lane, Martha Rose Lane, Adelynn Lane, Lane Cunningham, William Cunningham and Harrison Cunningham. She is also survived by her nephew, Britt Cauthen (Leigh Ellen) of Hartselle, Alabama; and her niece, Allison Cauthen of Decatur, Alabama; as well as her "adopted" son whom she loved dearly, Robert Hudson (Kathy) of Dallas.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025 from 12 noon until 1:30 PM at Benson Funeral Home, 309 Hardee Street, Dallas.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 PM, First Baptist Church, 401 Main Street, Dallas.

Burial will be private in Carrollton, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Elaine's favorite organizations, First Baptist Church of Dallas, GA or Wellstar Paulding Hospital.

Benson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Elaine Gladney Lane.