Essie Lane

December 22, 1941 - April 11, 2022

Mother Essie Pearl Lane, affectionately known as “Mema” and “Sis” was born in Halifax, North Carolina. She was the Matriarch of the Jones/Lane family and the last surviving child of the late James Oscar and Mother Annie Drew-Jones. Essie transitioned at Yale-New Haven Hospital Monday, April 11, 2022. Essie retired from The Eyelet Specialty Company in Wallingford, CT; she was a piece worker who made products for Avon and Revlon cosmetics. Essie was a long-time resident of New Haven, CT. Mt Zion Pentecostal Church was the church she used to call home; she had great memories of singing and traveling with the choir. Essie was a beautiful, loving person inside and out. She had a great sense of humor she poured into the lives of everyone in her presence. Always opening her doors to many; cooking was her livelihood. She always prepared extra just in case someone stopped by. Everyone loved her meals…. fried chicken, ribs, mac & cheese, sweet potato pie, and those collard greens – always on point, chopped and seasoned to perfection! Essie loved spending quality time with her family. She loved God with all of her heart and God’s people. She made everyone feel like somebody. She was a woman who loved pouring into the lives of others. A woman with great wisdom, a wonderful encourager, and gave power-packed, life-saving hugs. Her life mottos were “Give me my flowers while I yet live,” “Let the life that I live speak for me,” and “I don’t want no trouble at the river.” Essie’s life spoke volumes; she left behind a legacy, not just her bloodline. Everyone who knew her should have lifelong memories and wisdom to draw from to help them along the way. Essie had five friends remaining that she loved and had countless conversations with: “Cousin” Evangelist Shirleen Mayberry of Aden, North Carolina, Sister-in-Law Mother Eliza Jones, Mother MaryAnne Hopkins, Dearest Ernestine Emery of New Haven, CT, and Sister Veronica Deloris Thompson Branford, CT. Essie was predeceased by her parents, James Oscar and Mother Annie Drew Jones, her husband, George Junior Lane, son Terry Jones, daughter, Vanessa April Lane, and one Goddaughter, Pricilla Knox. Also predeceased by four brothers, Joseph “Buddy” Drew, Elder James Jones, Deacon Ernest Jones, and Robert Jones. Two sisters, Mother Hattie Drew-Brown and Rose Jones-Lowery. Essie is survived by three sons, Roy (Kimberly) Jones, Sylvester Jones, and Bart Lane; three daughters, Pamela Jones, Mattie Jones, and Cheryl Lane, all of New Haven, CT. She leaves behind 15 grandkids, 12 great-grandkids, and 3 great great-grandkids. Essie will absolutely be missed by her family, friends, and many bonus grandchildren.