Wanda Lanette Layne

Wanda Lanette Layne was born on March 28, 1951 in Columbus, Ohio to Jeanetta Mae Henderson Layne and Elmer Thomas Layne. She graduated from Linden McKinley High School in Columbus, and went on to graduate from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics and Nutrition. Wanda advanced her career over the years in positions that enhanced her contributions in her field, most recently at Child Development Council/Head Start where she worked for well over 20 years. Everyone Wanda loved, met or worked with, she instilled upon them the importance of having a relationship with God and salvation. Her love for her family was immeasurable. Sometimes she expressed it in tough love, but mostly she expressed her love with sage advice and wisdom. She was a confidant that many would go to for help on many issues and problems. All the while, she emphasized the importance of having Christ in one’s life. She constantly told her family, Prayer Band members and friends that she loved them. She was always encouraging people to do better and to remove themselves from situations that were not in their best interest. Most importantly, she always told people to pray. Throughout her life she often spoke of the lessons learned in her childhood and growing up so that others could benefit from her experiences. She cherished the memories of her parents, Elmer and Jeanetta Layne, her dear siblings whom, as the eldest child, she loved and protected in infinite ways. She loved to convey stories and relish the memories of the many family, friends and neighbors who contributed to her growth, development and character. When she spoke of challenging times she experienced, she did so to demonstrate to others not to give up and to lean on God for strength. Even in her most recent years when her health became more of an issue, Wanda always remained positive and maintained her faith that one day she would not experience the pain anymore. Wanda also had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. She loved to listen to, and tell stories, that showed the more comical side of human nature. But all the while, she focused on the positive nature of the story. She loved cooking, sewing, reading, and writing. She wrote many gospel tracts, essays and papers over the years which she generously shared with others. She also loved sports, especially The Ohio State Buckeyes and the National Football League. Sometimes she would get so excited when watching a game, she would shout out plays and warnings for the players on the television. Wanda would want us to remember most and be inspired by is her journey and relationship with God. She received Jesus Christ as her savior at the age of 12 and was baptized in the church. Living in Columbus, Ohio, she was a member of The East Eighteenth Avenue Prayer and Bible Mission, where she is fondly referred to as “Sister Layne.” There, Wanda was the primary teacher who taught and inspired many on the Christian life and the word of God. She served as a role model to many African American women and men to serve Christ despite their past. She knew a relationship with Christ would break the cycle of poverty and allow many to be saved, healed, delivered and set from free from oppression. This freedom helped many remove themselves from bad situations, return to school to further their education, break self-destructing dependence, obtain better job opportunities, and become witnesses to their family and relations. Even after Wanda entered into assisted living, she continued to minister and teach to those around her. She did not allow her circumstances to prevent her from spreading the gospel and the Word of God. She continued her ministry until God relieved her of her earthly duties. Our beloved Wanda passed away on August 20, 2020 at the age of 69. She is preceded in death by parents, Elmer T. and Jeanetta M. Layne and brother John W. Layne. Those left to cherish her memory are: her siblings, Larry Layne, Randall (Rhonda) Layne, Victor (Brenda) Layne, Sondra Barbour and Robert Layne; Aunts and Uncles, Clarence (Lady) Henderson; Geraldine Gywnn, Mary (Cecil) Price and Georgia (Willie) McClendon, Robert (Linda) Layne, Stafford (Carol) Layne, Louise Layne, and Faustina Bails; nieces and nephews, George B. Barbour, Victor Layne II, Thomas (Christy) Layne, Bailey Barbour, Shannon Barbour and Vincent Layne, great-niece and nephew, Theon and Kami Layne; and a host of beloved relatives, friends and church members.