Mrs. Otis Barbara Layne

March 12, 1944 - November 28, 2021

Otis Barbara Maynard (Layne) was born on March 12, 1944, in Jackson, St. Michael, Barbados W.I. to the late Wilfred Allman and Idalia Scott. Her brothers Cameron Wilcox (Maynard) and Ian Allman predeceased her. She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior as a child and attended the Moravian Church in Barbados, W.I. In 1962, while attending McDonald Secondary/High School, Otis was waiting with her friend at the bus stop. A young, hazel-eyed police officer named Harold Anthony Layne saw her from across the street. They were formally introduced. Unfortunately for her friend, Harold took a liking to Otis. They courted for 2 years and married on June 24, 1964. God blessed their union with 3 wonderful children - Mark Harold Anthony(deceased), Joy-Ann Barbara, and Sasha Christina Barbara. Otis Layne migrated to Brooklyn, New York in 1969. She was employed at Republic National Bank/HSBC in 1973, where she remained until her retirement in 2000. Otis continued her employment at Ebenezer Preparatory School as a Kindergarten Teacher’s Assistant. Otis was a member of The Refuge Church of God, Inc. in Brooklyn for 38 years. At Refuge, she wore many hats....literally. She faithfully served as Secretary, Assistant Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher, and devoted choir member. She had a distinct, powerful, beautiful Soprano voice. In 1993, The Rev. Dr. Harold Layne was elected Pastor, and the title of First Lady of The Refuge Church of God was bestowed upon her. Otis wore this hat with elegance and dignity. She was very instrumental in Refuge’s Thanksgiving community service outreach program that fed families in need. First Lady Layne was a quiet, stern, valued confidante with an exquisite sense of style. Affectionately known by many as Auntie Otis, she is fondly remembered for her culinary delights, especially her intricately designed wedding cakes (black cake) and delicious sweet bread. Otis and Harold relocated to Lawrenceville, Georgia in 2006, where they fellowshipped at the Faith Community Church in Grayson, Georgia. They enjoyed many years of retirement bonding with their extended family, especially her brother-in-law, Edward and sister-in-law, Bernie Layne. After years of declining health, Otis Layne went home to be with the Lord on November 28, 2021, surrounded by her loved ones. She leaves to mourn her beloved husband of 57 years and devoted caregiver, the Rev. Dr. Harold Layne; daughters Joy-Ann and Sasha; grandchild Andre Jr; sisters Hazel Hicks and Annie Allman; brother Anthony Allman; sister-in-law Hazel Maynard; foster sister Patricia (Ophelia) Padmore-Blackman; the Maynard, Allman, and Layne families; several in-laws, nieces, nephews, god-children, and extended family and friends. Otis will forever be missed, but her legacy of love will live on in our hearts. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing”. II Timothy 4:7-8 Celebration of Life Services for Mrs. Otis Barbara Lane will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 10:00AM. These services will be recorded and streamed live. In the event the service is interrupted at any time due to technical issues, the entire service will be uploaded and available to view later in the day. Please copy and paste the link to share, or simply click on the link to view the service. https://vimeo.com/654103779