Alfreda Norma Layne

Alfreda Norma Layne, 90, passed away May 15, 2012.

She was born in Marietta, Ohio into a family of two boys and eight girls. Alfreda graduated from Marietta High School in 1940, then m oved to Akron in 1942 and worked at Goodyear Aircraft. After the war was over, she worked at B.F. Goodrich until 1952, when she began to raise her family. She also worked at J.C. Penneys at lakemore Plaza for 30 years. Alfreda thoroughly enjoyed community involvement, volunteering at the Akron Civic Theater, Children's Hospital Tree Festival, Edwin Shaw Rehab and Challenge Golf Course, NEC World Series of Golf, City Hospital Rummage Sale and at Children's Hospital since the beginning of "Pinkie Puppets" in 1956. She was instrumental in producing Pinkie Puppets from then until now. Alfreda was also founder and first President of the Summit County Century Homes Association.

Mom's gift was truly giving of herself and of her time. She gave much to her community, but most important was the endless unconditional love and time she selflessly gave to us, her family. Mother never complained, and never had a negative thing to say about anyone. Mother was the best living example I know of the Fruit of the Spirit -- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. When someone would ask her how she was she would say, "I am drinking from my saucer" and when they asked what that meant, she responded, "Because my cup runneth over." Time and time again it was so nice to hear all of our friends comment on how lucky we were to have such a wonderful mother, but we already knew that. Thanks, Mom for being the best, for setting the best example and for living up to it. You will truly be missed, See you on the other side,

Preceded in death by husband, Robert L. Layne, Sr. (Akron Police Department); one brotherl and seven sisters. She is survived by brother, Dean Hoffart of Marietta, Ohio; and several great-nieces and nephews; sons, Robert, Jr. and Michael; daughter, Judy (Tom) Newman; daughter-in-law, Debbie Layne; sic grandchildren, Thomas Newman, Jr., Justin Layne, Scott (Katie) Layne, Samantha Newman (Dustin McGlumphy), Casey (Chris) McCracken and Sean Newman; five great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Rayce Newman, Scotty Layne, Cale McCracken and Darwin McGlumphy.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, 10:30 a.m. at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Rd., Akron 44312, with Pastor Brian Nutt officiating. Burial will take place at East Akron Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, and from 9:30 until service time on Saturday.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Oak Hill Presbyterian Church, 2406 Ardwell Ave., Akron, OH 44312.