Jeanie Layne

Sylvia Jean “Jeanie” Layne, 82, of Danville, formerly Roachdale, passed away at home, in the early hours on Friday, October 18, 2024. She was born in Putnam County on December 10, 1941, a daughter of the late Ernest and Bertha (Brooks) Gibbons. Jeanie graduated from New Winchester High School with the class of 1959, and married her sweetheart, Sammie Layne, soon after. The story was that they Honeymooned in Paris…. Illinois that is. The two were married for 63 loving years, Sammie predeceased Jeanie, July 6, 2022. In addition to her parents and husband, Jeanie is preceded by two siblings, her brother, Silas (Sonny) Gibbons and sister, Thelma Gibbons Lund. 

Early in their marriage she worked at a hospital and an insurance company. She also worked for Turner’s Drug Store. Later, she excelled at bookkeeping and kept the books for various businesses, Denny Grounds Ford, Hawley and Larmer and later for her and Sammie’s businesses, Layne Farming and Layne Trucking. She was also a wonderful home maker. 

Jeanie and Sammie enjoyed traveling and camping. They also liked to winter in Florida. They were fortunate to visit Canada and Alaska. She enjoyed playing cards and working on puzzles, cross stitch and the embroidery technique called Swedish weaving, producing beautiful blankets and wall art. Jeanie collected bells, lighthouses and butterflies. She created many wonderful memories with family and had the quirky ability to recall them when associated with food or a shared meal. Jeanie was a founding member of Whitestone Christian Church, and member of the Order of the Eastern Star Lodge #255, where she’d held the following offices, District Deputy and District 9 Grand Electa. The hobby she enjoyed the most was spending time with family. 

Survivors include her 3 children, John (Deborah Rushton) Layne of Danville, Michael (Connie) Layne of Waterford, WI, Kristine (Michael) McNulty of Danville; 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; sister, Shirley Timbrell, sister-in-law, Juanita Clark, and brother-in-law, Darrel Smith. Also missing Jeanie are nieces, nephews and extended family members. 

Visitation will be held 4:00-8:00 pm, Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at WHITESTONE CHRISTIAN CHURCH located at 8045 US-36, New Winchester. Order of the Eastern Star service to begin at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held the following day at 12:00 pm Thursday, October 24, 2024 with an hour of visitation prior. Burial will follow in Danville South Cemetery. Those wishing to send flowers may have them sent directly to the church. In addition to flowers, donations may be made in Jeanie's name to the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be offered at www.heltonandharrisfuneralhomes.com.