Gwendolyn Yvonne Taylor Lane, affectionately known as "Yvonne" 75, of Sanford, Florida, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at AdventHealth Altamonte in Altamonte Springs, Florida. She was a woman of many accomplishments, born in Sanford, Florida, on July 2, 1949, to the late Helen Taylor Morris and the late Raleigh L. Sutton. Yvonne's journey began with her education at Seminole County Public Schools, Sanford, Florida, and was a graduate of Crooms High School, Class of 1967. In 1968, she joined the United States Women's Army Corp (WAC), obtaining the rank of Specialist E4, and after her service, she was honorably discharged. While working at Sanford Police Department, Yvonne was the first sworn Black Female Police Officer. Yvonne's career as the Director of Probation for Seminole County Probation was a testament to her life. She decided to further her education and obtained a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice in 1988 from Bethune Cookman College, Daytona Beach, Florida. Yvonne was a faithful member of Beth TeHillah Ministries, Casselberry, Florida. Yvonne will truly be missed by her family and friends.
Yvonne is survived by her loving children, two daughters, Tawana L. Wright and Tonya M. Church (Cedric); one son, Henry L. Sanders, all of Sanford, Florida; 6 grandchildren; 11 great-grands; 7 brothers; best friend, Jacqui Perry (Elder Theartis); and a host of sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and sorrowing friends who will truly miss her.
The visitation will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024, from 4 PM to 6 PM at Sunrise Funeral Home Chapel, 900 Locust Avenue, Sanford, Florida 32771.
The Celebration of Life Service for Gwendolyn Yvonne Taylor Lane will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 3 PM at Central Church, 3101 West 1st Street, Sanford, Florida 32771, with Pastor Ronald Critton, officiating. Interment will be held Monday, August 19, 2024, at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 U.S. Highway 1, North Mims, Florida 32754, where she will be laid to rest with full military honors, a testament to her service and dedication to our country.
Services Entrusted to the care of Sunrise Funeral Home, 900 Locust Avenue, Sanford, Florida 32771, (407)322-7383.
