In celebration of the life of our Granny, Geraldine "Jeri" Calhoun Lane,

A God fearing woman who raised generations.

June 2, 1946 - May 17, 2023

Our Granny, Geraldine "Jeri" Calhoun Lane was born June 2, 1946 to Mercydee Jackson and Ernest Calhoun in San Francisco, California. She attended Mission High in San Francisco, Ca and received her GED from Gumpers in Richmond, Ca. As the oldest girl of 8 siblings, she naturally became a caregiver. She often shared memories of how she lovingly helped raise her younger siblings. That is, until 1963, when she married our late grandpa, George Thomas Lane Sr. and began a family of her own. Together, they birthed and reared 3 sons; George Lane Jr, James Lane Sr., and Vernon Lane Sr. in Richmond, Ca. As she raised her biological children, she selflessly took in and raised the children of her late sisters. Over the years, our Granny continued in her role as our family's refuge; opening her home to her siblings, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and others.

Her caregiving nature did not end with family. As a professional and volunteer, she found herself drawn to occupations and causes that required passionate caretakers. For years, she worked with fostered and disadvantaged youth in group-home settings. During a time of fear and uncertainty in the 80's around AIDS and HIV, she bravely and compassionately cared for diagnosed youths and adults. She was also a regular volunteer at the Richmond Rescue Mission. She cared for the elderly and devoted her time, energy and resources to various charities.

Without a doubt, her efforts directly correlated with her faith. As a Christian woman, our Granny can be remembered to have a scripture ready to share at any moment. When asked why she did so much for others without asking anything in return, she quoted from Matthew 10:8 where Jesus tells his disciples, "freely ye have received, freely give." She viewed it as a part of her ministry and was confident that God would bless her good deeds. She praised God in word and deed and whenever she felt moved, which was often, she would belt hymns with finger snapping, hand clapping, and heel tapping.  As a student of the Bible and a fervent servant of God, she implored all those in her life to take heed of the Word and deepen their own relationship with her Father.

She was preceded in death by her parents Mercydee Jackson and Ernest Calhoun Sr.; her husband, George Lane Sr.; her siblings, Lavera Bennet, Elizabeth Calhoun, Marie Snowden, James Calhoun, Eddie Calhoun, and Charles Stevenson; and her son, Vernon Lane Sr.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, George Lane Jr. and James Lane Sr.; her brother, Ernest Calhoun Jr.; her grandchildren, Geandra, Portia, Vernon Jr., James Jr., Ashley, Jermaine, Jovon, George III, Tallia, Stefany, and Skylar; and 6 great grandchildren