Jessie Lou Lane's Obituary
Jessie Lou Lane was born on January 6, 1948, in Ataugaville (Barbour County), AL to Rev. Henry
Hezekiah Lane and Verda Lee Hunter-Lane. Her mother and father preceded her in death 2021
and 1962 respectively. Additionally, Jessie’s late husband, Emmett Calvin passed away in July
2020.
Jessie was the second of seven children born to Rev Henry and Verda Lee; Evelyn Lane Tyler -
TX, Henry James Lane - IN, Patricia Lane Diehl - WI, Marie Shephard - IN, Carol Ann Lane - IN,
and Virginia Ann Bolton - CA.
Jessie’s early education began at St. Elizabeth Catholic School in Oakland, CA. She graduated
from Santa Barbara Senior High school in 1965, and graduated from University of California
Santa Barbara in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in Art. Several years following her graduation,
she moved to Lompoc, CA. While in California, Jessie’s Mural-like paintings were displayed in
several art galleries.
In 1978, She moved to Newberry, FL and stayed with her dear friend Elizabeth Kettering and her
family. Following that, she moved to Gainesville, FL where she established herself as a well-respected and brilliant artist in the local artists community. Jessie’s artistic brilliance spanned numerous mediums of expression including painting, pottery, quilting and her creation; hypertufa/colorful rock art (concreate-based pottery embedded with an assortment of precious rocks often created as lamps).
In April, 1989, Jessie’s brilliant and intricate quilt work was featured on the front page of the
Gainesville Sun as part of the Spring Arts Festival article and received a special jurors award at
the Festival.
In 1990, Jessie showcased her quilt creations at the Zora Neal Hurston Festival of the Arts. In 1993, Jessie was featured in the book: “Signs and Symbols: African Images in African American Quilts”.
In March, 2009, Jessie participated in her 2nd Spring Art’s Festivals in Gainesville; showcasing her hypertufa creations.
In addition to the arts, Jessie also loved music, baking, poetry, philosophy and African and Asian
history.
Jessie loved and raised 8 wonderful children who will cherish her memories; Floyd Haley (Spouse
Cynthia), Patrick Kennedy (Partner/Friend Utanah), Jerry Kennedy, twins Magela (Spouse Jackie
Brown proceeded by Partner Ut Thi Nguyen) and Bishara Moore, Onawa Moore (Partner ZuZu),
Iam Moore and Galina Bessie Dawning Moore (Partner Jordan).
Her grandchildren are, Holly Lou Hunter, Naomi Star Kennedy, Tasha Lereaux Hunter, Leo
Kennedy, Joseph, Malcolm, Henry, Simone, Simora, Zenya, Sunyia, Izabella Satori Elizabeth
Proffitt, and Apollo and Robert “Bobby” Sinner. Jessie’s great grandchildren are; I’Jahking Selassie I Collins, Ziontae Jahcure Collins, Jimetry Elijah Henderson and Camilla Sage Landow.
Additionally, she leaves to cherish nieces and nephews; Pamela Tyler-Barnes, Gwendolyn Tyler,
Angela Tyler-Williams, Tracyee Lane Gess, Keith Anderson, Jason Lane, Steven Lane, Brandon
Bolton, Briana Bolton, twins Aleah and Cheret Bolton along with a host of cousins, other
relatives, and friends.
Among some of her many friends whom Jessie cherished are Noni Jones, Chance, Theresa
Martin, Elizabeth Profitt, and Sharon and Mariam.
Her children & their spouses/partners and grandchildren and greatgrandchildren were her
greatest joy. A true matriarch of our family, she was not only a great mother and grandmother,
but a loyal and faithful friend.
Jessie lived a full life and was brilliant; seeing the interconnectedness of events unfathomable to
most. The earth was her temple and she had a passionate connection to nature and loved
gardening and being on her land. She was also empathetic and nurturing which is why so many
gravitated and confided in her. As such, she was often in the presence of her (late Husband
(Emmett Grogan Calvin)) Family and friends.
In 2020, Jessie was diagnosed with IIIc Cancer. With her family’s full support Jessie fought it
aggressively and was free and clear for several years. In February 2023, it was discovered that
the cancer had returned and metastasized aggressively. The cancer resulted in severe pain;
requiring constant pain treatment. On May 29th 2023 (Memorial Day) Jessie kept saying she
wanted to go home. That day she went home; dying peacefully in her sleep in her bed in
Alachua, FL.
This life is neither the beginning nor the end; only a time segment on the continuum of
existence. As of writing this, Jessie has already reminded some of us through birds visiting in
juxtaposed circumstances that her soul endures and she is free.
For this reason, we celebrate Jessie’s life and the many gifts she bestowed upon us; including life
itself, enriching all of our lives an appreciation for the gift of existing in this world.
May God/The creator continue to bless Jessie and all of us!!
A celebration of Jessie’s life will be held Sunday, June 11, 2023 beginning at 10:00 at Williams-Thomas Downtown Chapel, 404 North Main Street, Gainesville.
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