Merceline Lane was born in Palatka, Florida to the late Walter H. Holland Sr. and Arvella Holland on July 20,1936.  She departed this life on Friday, December 28, 2018.

Merceline, who was affectionately known as "Mert", graduated from Asbury Park High School, Asbury Park, NJ in 1956. She later went on to become employed with the U.S. Government for the Department of the Army at Fort Monmouth, Eatontown, NJ.

She attended Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, Asbury Park, NJ, United Fellowship Baptist Church, Asbury Park, NJ, and later Macedonia Baptist Church, Neptune, NJ.  She enjoyed singing in the choir and had a strong faith in God.

Merceline spent countless hours during the summer with her children and friends at Belmar beach in New Jersey.  She loved her flowers and could grow anything. Her yard would be covered with various shades of pink, purple, white and red impatiens.  She also brought that beauty inside her home with many plants. She definitely had a green thumb.

Merceline also enjoyed baking. She would bake dozens of cookies during the Christmas holiday and shared them with her friends.  She had a heart of gold.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Theotis, Walter H. Jr., and Clarence Holland.  She leaves to cherish her wonderful memories one son, Michael Lane, Neptune, NJ; one daughter, Leslie Lane-Ford (David), Virginia Beach, VA; three lovable grandchildren, Nykell Lane, Ocean, NJ, Jazmyne and David Ford, Virginia Beach, VA; two sister-in laws, Joyce Holland, Neptune, NJ, and Catherine Woodard (CB), Franklin,VA; devoted caregiver and friend, Kerry Anderson "Bummie", Neptune, NJ; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and faithful friends.