Obituary

Ella Lee Merriweather Lane was a giving, sweet and feisty spirit. She would do anything for anyone and all she knew. She could lighten your load with a helping hand and lots of laughter. She did so, until the Lord called her home on January 22, 2026, surrounded by her husband and loved ones. Ella Leewas born to the late Thelma and Spencer Merriweather Sr. on December 22, 1940 in Prichard, AL. She was the 4th of 8 siblings. Ophelia Merriweather Sigler, Ceasar Merriweather and Spencer Merriweather Jr. proceeded her in death.

Ella Lee accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized. She was a faithful and serving member of Nichols Temple AME Church of Birmingham, AL., until her health declined.

Ella Lee was wedded in Holy Matrimony to John Gilbert Lane on November 25, 1965. To this union, three sons were born.
Ella Lee was very smart and devoted to educating others. She attended Martin Lutheran Elementary School and Dunbar Junior High School in Mobile, AL. After graduating from Central High School in Mobile, Class of 1959, she attended and graduated from Alabama State University in Montgomery, AL in 1963. There, in 1961, she was initiated into the Beta Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Ella Leewas a faithful employee of the Birmingham City School System where she worked at Henry J. Oliver Elementary School for 43 years and retired in 2005.

Ella Lee was a caring, dependable, devoted, loving and witty wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, family member and friend.

Ella Lee leaves to cherish many loving memories with her devoted husband of 60 years, John Gilbert Lane; sons, Darryl (Renarda) Lane of Birmingham, AL, Terrill (Racquelle) Lane Sr. of Alabaster, AL and Jerald (Japera) Lane of Aurora, CO; adopted daughter, Delois Andrews of Berkley, CA ; grandchildren Terrill Jr., Nadia, D'aria, Tyller and Joia; sisters Shirley Reeves and Vivian Merriweather of Prichard, AL; brothers, Wilbert (Barbara) Merriweather and Derrick (Vicki) Merriweather Sr. of Mobile, AL; sister-in- laws, Brenda Merriweather of Moorpark City, CA and Cynthia Merriweather of Mobile, AL; brother-in-law, Fred (Elvia) Lane of Dixon, CA; special friend, Marva Burns of Birmingham, AL and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.