Irma Jane Laney Obituary in Durham at American Cremation and Funeral Service

Obituary For Irma Jane Laney

Mrs. Irma Jane Kincy Laney, 84, resident of Durham, NC passed on January 28, 2021 at Pruitt Health Nursing Home.

A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 12 Noon at Glennview Memorial Park.

Irma Jane Kincy Laney was born on November 23, 1936 in Durham, North Carolina to Annie Lee Borland Kincy Banks and Leondras Kincy, Sr. She was the third oldest of 13 children. She attended Durham City Schools, graduating from Hillside High School in 1956. She later attended Watts School of Nursing and Durham Technical Institute, where she received her degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1980. She worked on the Duke Pediatric Surgical ward from 1980 until her retirement in 1995 as a MLPN. Post retirement, Irma worked as a nanny for two families until her health declined. She was an eager helper who loved her family and her church. Baptized and becoming a member of West Durham Baptist at the age of eight, she loved to sing and was in the choir before she was old enough, as there was no children’s choir at that time. She enjoyed singing in many of the choirs, and participated in the choir’s album recording; many remember her leading the song, “Tramping” in the choir.

She married James Earl “Tooloo” Laney in October of 1980, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by siblings Annie Louise, Charles Henry, Pauline, Leroy and James. Irma personified unconditional love to all who came in contact with her. She was a good cook, known for her pineapple cake, biscuits and sweet potato pie; oftentimes if you showed up, a filling meal would often be extended to you. She was always willing to help others and her door was always open to her family. Many of her siblings and their children lived with her throughout the years and saw her as their second mother. Irma was the family historian and a fan of family. She could always tell the best family stories. She coordinated family reunions until her health began to decline and was often her immediate family’s connection to the larger extended family.

This beautiful soul will forever be cherished by her family: daughters, Janice Williams (Nathaniel), Beverly Kincy (Anthony Horne) and her son, Greggory Kincy (Lisa) all of Durham; her siblings, Leondras Kincy, Jr. of Texas, Rachel Baldwin, Charlene Thomas (Clyde), Thomas (Mary), Berle (Linda), and Earle (Thelma) Kincy of Durham. Irma is the grandmother of 11, Great-Grandmother of 29 and Great-Great Grandmother of two and a host of other relatives and dear friends. She will truly be missed, but we know that she is no longer in pain and has been reunited with those who have gone on before her. We rest in our belief that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. May the work she’s done speak for her.

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Rest in peace dear Irma, a woman with a huge heart. We were lucky to have had you in our family's life. We send our love and sympathy to the whole family.

Well Grandma we are here in this strange moment. I think I thought you'd live forever although I know that's not possible. It hasn't quite registered in my heart that you're gone although my head knows, it's strange how we can detach the two. As we lay your earthly vessel to rest please know that I love you and will miss you...our talks and your stories...I wish I had wrote so many of them down...funny how we take such things for granted. I recall in this moment how you cared for your family to the very end, praying over us all the time while you were likely in so much pain. You certainly have earned your heavenly crown cause you always wore one here on earth to me. Well done Grandma, I know you're looking out for us in heaven. Your Granddaughter, Charita

Well Grandma we are here in this strange moment. I think I thought you'd live forever although I know that's not possible. It hasn't quite registered in my heart that you're gone although my head knows, it's strange how we can detach the two. As we lay your earthly vessel to rest please know that I love you and will miss you...our talks and your stories...I wish I had wrote so many of them down...funny how we take such things for granted. I recall in this moment how you cared for your family to the very end, praying over us all the time while you were likely in so much pain. You certainly have earned your heavenly crown cause you always wore one here on earth to me.
Well done Grandma, I know you're looking out for us in heaven.

Sincere sympathy to the entire Kincy family. I can truly speak on behalf of my late spouse, Leon Cole, that Irma demonstrated a spirit of cooperation in the choirs at the church. During my participation in the choirs, I fondly remember her singing, "Stand Still Let God Fight Your Battle" and numerous others. The last time I saw her was when she attended my 70th birthday party; but I was able to talk to her by phone after the passing of Leon. The entire family is to commended for the care of Irma. RIP Shirley and Ebony Cole

The memory I have goes a long way back I will never forget those sweet potato pies the cakes the telephone calls the talks we had the reminiscing of how we grew up and just the love and the laughter that she offered I just want to say thank you to family for sharing her with me my other mother sincerely and with all my love Montes and family

Aunt Irma was like my second mother. Although I am glad she is no longer in pain she will be missed. Love Melonie

I love you Grandma! -Your Grandson, William (aka "Punch")

To the Kincy family, mama Irma as some of would call her, especially at West Durham Baptist Church. Keep the memories in your heart of Irma, she is another special Brookstown legend that has gone to a better place. So many heartfelt memories that will be in the Wiggins and Gunn families heart of Irma. We send our condolences and sympathy. Sincere love from, Bertha Gunn Wiggins and family

so sorry love you all. ANGELA SNEED

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

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