Mary Sue Lane

January 5, 1935 - March 17, 2025

Mary Sue Rankin Lane, of Apex, NC, passed away peacefully at Windsor Point Retirement Community on March 17, 2025. She was born on January 5, 1935, in Union County, NC, to David Cyrus Rankin and Susie Ella Walker Rankin.

Mary Sue was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, William Earl "Pete" Lane, and her son, Alan Scot Lane-Murcia. She is survived by her son, Dr. Paul Andrew Lane (Darlene) of Radford, VA; daughter-in-law, Oliva Lane-Murcia of Evanston, IL; her grandchildren, Anna K. Mongold (Karl) of Harrisonburg, VA, Andrew M. Lane (Jordie) of Apex, NC, Jennifer S. Lane-Murcia of Iowa City, IA, and Mateo S. Lane-Murcia of Evanston, IL; and four great-grandchildren: Harper Kate Mongold, Joseph Lane, Palmer Lane, and Laney Mongold.

Mary Sue graduated as valedictorian from Mocksville High School in 1953 and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Women’s College (UNCG) in 1957. She began her professional career as a chemist in the Soil Science Department at North Carolina State University (NCSU) before transitioning to teaching science at Daniel’s Middle School in Raleigh. She later returned to NCSU’s Soil Science Department, where she spent the final years of her career.

A passionate member of her community, Mary Sue was a member of Woodhaven Baptist Church, the Apex Women’s Club, the Raleigh Women’s Club, and various sewing guilds. She was also a former member of Apex Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School for many years. She had a deep love for crafts, authoring a book on basket weaving and enjoying a wide range of hobbies, including crocheting, knitting, cross-stitching, embroidery, quilting, cake decorating, and she made all of her own clothes. Her skill in these crafts earned her numerous blue ribbons at the State Fair and other competitions. She was also known for making beautiful liturgical banners for churches and for sharing her handmade gifts with family and friends, especially during the holidays.

Mary Sue and Pete also dedicated time to mission work, participating in numerous domestic and international mission trips. Together, they traveled extensively, both within the United States and abroad.

An informal memorial service to celebrate Mary Sue’s life will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 4:00 PM at Woodhaven Baptist Church, 4000 Kildaire Farm Road, Apex, NC.