Mrs Mavis Lane's Obituary
Mavis Lane, 64, passed away suddenly on April 24, 2010. Mavis was born in Souldon, England, on August 15, 1945, to Adelaide (nee Taylor) and John Knapton. She leaves behind a devoted husband of 29 years, James Lane of Tampa, Florida; loving daughters, Jackie Whitbread and son-in-law, Mark, and Julia Reid and her four children: granddaughter, Charlotte Reid, and grandsons Darren Jones, Dale Jones and Danny Jones, also one great grandson-Dylan Ashworth. Mavis' daughters and families all reside in Swindon, Wiltshire, England.
Mavis is also survived by sister-in-laws, Eva Cooper and her husband, Don, of Grand Ledge, Michigan, and Marjorie Perkins and her husband, Craig, of Munith, Michigan. In addition, surviving is her God-daughter, Sandra McDermott of Bicester, England, whom she very close to.
Mavis and James were married on her birthday, August 15, 1981, in Bicester Garth Park in Bicester, Oxfordshire, England.
Jim was stationed with the U.S. Air Force in Upper Heyford Air Force base in Oxford, England not far from where Mavis and the girls lived. They had a lengthy "hidden" courtship. When they first started to date, Mavis felt the need to protect her two daughters from a courtship that could turn out to be short by meeting Jim at a "secret rendezvous". This went on for several months until Jim decided to follow Mavis home on foot to find out where she lived. Much to Mavis' surprise, the next evening, who was walking up the garden path but "her' Jim, cradling a bunch of flowers and wearing a big cowboy hat. She was having a fit, saying "how did he find me, how did he find me? Oh, he must have followed me!" From then on Jim would bring her one rose every day saying "One Rose, one Love" to woo her a little. Mavis loved being "woo'd by "her" Jim.
The Engagement
D & HD
One day Jim picked up Mavis at work for lunch. He took her by the BX (Base Exchange) on base. Because Mavis was a civilian, they were escorted to the jewelry counter where Jim asked her to pick out an engagement ring. She looked at the least expensive rings. Unbeknown to her he already picked out a ring. He asked the clerk to show Mavis his pick of rings and try it on. It fix perfectly. She was shocked at it's sized and stated that it was too expensive. Jim could not be swayed and it was purchased.
While on base on their way back to work, they stopped at a street vendor's stand for hot dogs. This turned out to be one of Mavis favorite meals, hence - D &DH - as she called it, "Diamonds and Hot Dogs".
Mavis greatest passions were her family and her many books, including her daily ritual of crosswords. She had a flair for home decorating and design. When her daughters were young, Mavis enjoyed sewing dance recital costumes and dresses for them which fit perfectly.
When her family was young, they lived and traveled in many parts of the world. No matter what country she lived in her philosophy was "When in Rome, do as the Romans do!' Mavis indulged in the various countries' cultures and delighted trying the local cuisine.
Mavis was a very determined person in subjects she felt strongly about.
Once Mavis' mind was made up that was it. Subject closed!
Mavis was a very proud and yet a private person. She was known to say, "Never air your dirty linen in public."
She loved America but never forgot her roots. She was proud to be British.
Mavis instantly became dear friends with her mother-in-law, Violet, after nervously awaiting their first encounter, they instantly became best friends. They spend many hours visiting and "chucking" with one another, especially over Jim's colorful wardrobe.
Mavis' father passed away when she was 3 1 1/2, her mother had to hold down several jobs to provide a living for her and her daughter. One of which was in a library, where Mavis found her passion for books. She especially enjoyed history and geography.
Jackie and Julia remembered her telling them the story of how her father carried her on his shoulders and surprising her with bananas. Banana's were very rare due the WWII ending and food being rationed in England. Her fond memories of her childhood banana treat stayed with her throughout her life.
Mavis and James worked for a commercial cleaning company in Tampa when they first moved there where they were known for their dedicated work ethics and were requested quite often by judges, lawyers and banks. One time they arrived at a bank to clean and much to their surprise, found the vault open and they were the only people in the building. They had to call security, who called the bank manager, to come and close it.
Mavis was the "queen" of Wally World" where she worked for 12 years in Tampa, Florida. She made many life-long friends there. Mavis enjoyed "shopping till she dropped".
Mavis was always a great friend to everyone and had many friends all over the world.
A memorial service will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, April 30, 2010 at boza & Roel Funeral Home, 4730 N. armenia Ave., Tampa. the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions mey be made to the American Diabetes Assocition, 4902 Eisenhower Blvd., Tampa, FL 33634or Diabetes UK Maclead House, 10 Parkway, London, NW17Aa, Phone 08451232399.
Boza & Roel Funeral Home
4730 North Armenia Avenue
Tampa, Floria 33603
(813) 877-7676
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