In loving memory of Myrtle Jefferson Lane, who was born in St. Louis, Missouri to Laura Jefferson on January 1, 1913 (however, a recently found birth certificate and census report that her actual birthdate was December 1, 1911). She was the younger of two daughters. Her older sister was Rosaline Jefferson Calvin (deceased). Rose was raised by their aunt, Annie Moman and Myrtle was raised by a family in Kinloch, the Darcys’. She was educated in the St. Louis Public School system and attended Sumner High School.
Myrtle was always looking for a family of her own, so at the age of 17 she married Herbert Smith. Unfortunately, Herbert lived only six months. Although she lost her husband she gained a family, specifically a little sister and devoted best-friend, Gladys Elizabeth Smith Stewart (deceased). She also became a devoted aunt to sister Rose’s children: Arleen, Annette, Ardella, James, Gilbert, Patsy, Cathy and Roland.
In 1945 Myrtle was blessed to meet and marry Carl Zedrick Lane, Sr. a man with eight children: Carl, Jr., Herbert, James, Robert, Harry, Estelle, Mary Ellen, and Iris (all deceased). Shortly thereafter, she was blessed with two more sons, Eric and Jerry (deceased).
In 1949 the family joined Visitation Catholic Church. In 1952, they joined Most Blessed Sacrament Church, until it merged with St. Elizabeth’s in 2000. She was a very social person. She served at the church as a “Friendly Visitor” and on many school projects. She belonged to the Ladies Club, a neighborhood card club, and the 4700/4800 Cupples Block Unit.
Myrtle departed this life January 12, 2013. She leaves to cherish her memory one loving son Eric (Ruth) and two daughters-in-law; Joan and Frances. She is Grandma Myrtle and Gran-Gran to Diane, Khalilah, Carla, Donald, Eugene, Merlin, Andre’, James, Jr., Sandra, Debbie, Karen, David, Michael, Pam, Kristen, Eric, Jr. and Clarence. She has 40 great-grand children, with a new one on the way. Will, Ryan, Jordan, Kylan, Brysan and Evan are known as “Myrtle’s Boy’s” at the Life Care Center, where she lived for the last three years. Her family also includes a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.