Kaneoda Lorene Thayer of Durham, North Carolina, passed away on September 1, 2020, ten days short of her ninety-fifth birthday. Daughter of Orla C and Kaneoda Marie Maxwell, Lorene was born on September 11, 1925, and attended high school in Pekin Illinois, where she was passionate about music and played clarinet in the school band. Lorene graduated from Illinois Normal Teachers College with a de-gree in music. She also obtained a degree in elementary education and library sci-ence and taught school. She was the wife of Robert Thayer (deceased), former Su-perintendent of Earlville Community Unit School District, Earlville, Illinois, to whom she was married for twenty-nine years.
Lorene Thayer was a dedicated wife and mother to her four children. She was be-loved by her four grandchildren and her four great grandchildren, other family members and friends. She loved to travel and was an avid sports fan. She loved playing games with her family and is remembered for her competitive spirit. Grandma did not like to lose! She attended Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Durham, North Carolina and was active in Sunday school and Bible Study. She was generous in supporting her church and others.
Lorene is survived by her four children, Robert, Ronald, Randall and Marilyn Thayer, her grandchildren Julie Thompson, Zachary and Benjamin Thayer and her four great grandchildren, Hadley, Kinsley, Caleb and Paige.
A celebration of Kaneoda Lorene’s life will be held on September 12, 2020, at 1:00 PM at Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 1104 Milton Road, Durham, North Carolina 27712. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ridgecrest Baptist Church or the Diabetes foundation.
Loved her, always sat with her in church at Ridgecrest, she always had a kiss for me, I called her mama. Will miss our times together. Know she is loving her Heavenly home. Harriet and Caleb Cates.
Mrs.LoreneA joyful follower of Jesus whose life was a sweet smelling fragrance to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Pastor Don & Scarlet
We lovingly cherish the interactions with Mrs. Thayer during the yearly fund raising events. She was a very cordial person.
Your mom was such a sweet lady. Always a smile & kind word. We are thankful to have known her. Hugs to you and your family over your loss. Kurt & Deb Larson
Loreen and above lived kitty corner from us that first year I taught in Earlville so I was quite sure they were always watching. I just remember how Bob always put his teachers high on the priority list. I believe Loreen thought of all the fun activities at our Christmas gatherings. Very sorry to hear of her passing. Thinking of all of you.
My favorite memory. You dear mom was always so kind. She could spot a petrified freshman from across the room. She always made me feel welcome and that I was valued . I don't know how you put a price tag on valued. But your mom found a way. I am so very sorry for your loss. The lives that she touched. Are in the thousands. Thank you for sharing her with all of us. Carole Grey Eich
We are sorry to hear of Lorene's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I have many wonderful memories of her and your family growing up in the Earlville Methodist church. In her later years she was such a dear friend of my mom, and I played some pretty intense games of euchre with them! Memories of Lorene will always make me smile, she was a very kind and fun loving person. Fondly, Kerry and Deb Tillman
We are so sorry to hear of Lorene's passing. We have so many warm memories of her and Lorraine and their adventures. They were good friends. Here's hoping they run into each other. Sending prayers for your family. Stan and Patty Meloy
Thinking of you all. Your mom touched so many lives. I have some great memories of her from the time I spent at your house to seeing her in the library at school. What a wonderful life she had here and now celebrating with her family in heaven. Lisa Heal
My condolences to the family, may the memories of your mother and her wonderful personality and many contributions be celebrated by all. Karyn Midgette
Sure thinking of you all. Always loved Mrs. Thayer. Had lots of fun and laughter together. I know she is lovin heaven Sandy and Bryan
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
Preserve and share memories of your loved one by creating a Forever Missed online memorial. More at Forever Missed