Elna (Faynell) Burks Layne, age 86 of Gladys, departed this life peacefully on Friday, September 8, 2023 at her residence.  She was born on August 25, 1937 to the late Clarence Oliver Burks and Rosa Anita Nowlin Burks.  She was married and devoted to her husband of many years, the late Silas I. Layne.

She graduated from the Campbell County School system in Rustburg, VA.  She retired from Dan River after over 30 years of employment.  She received multiple awards and accolades from Dan River for her service and quality of her work and was one of the first African American Employees of Dan River.

She professed her faith at an early age and joined Evergreen Baptist Church.  Prior to her illness, she was a faithful and active member of the Evergreen Baptist Church Missionary, Kitchen Committee, a Sunday School Teacher, and a Financial Secretary.  She also was a recipient of the "Seasoned Saint Award" from Evergreen Baptist Church.  You could often hear her leading one of her favorite hymnals during praise and worship "Count Your Blessings."

She loved her family, traveling, shopping, and yard work.  One of her favorite things was to cook soul food and host her family and friends for gatherings.  She had a love for crossword puzzles and loved trying to keep up with all of her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by 11 siblings.

She leaves to cherish her memory three children, Peggy Bradley (Walter) of Naruna, Tammy Cabell (Floyd) of Rustburg, and Michael K. Layne, Sr. (Sharon) of Gladys VA;  a god daughter, Katrina Easley (Derrick) of Naruna; six grandchildren, Tasha Layne of Raleigh, NC, Michelle Layne of Richmond, VA, Michael K. Layne, Jr. of Gladys, April Bradley-Hall (Robert) of Naruna, Cordaro Bradley of Naruna, and Brandon Cabell (Shanice) of Mebane, NC; six great grandchildren, Kristina Bradley, Bryce Hall and Brent Hall, all from Naruna, Jordan Layne and DaKota Christian of Appomattox, and Carson Cabell in Mebane, NC; three god grandchildren, Deshawn Easley of Yorktown, VA, Tevin Easley of Brookneal, and Tyler Easley of Danville; one sister, Molly Little of Clayton, NC; one brother, Owen Burks (Francis) of Rustburg; three sisters-in-law, Matilda Layne, Margine L. Evans, and Betty J. Layne, all of Naruna, VA.  She also leaves a dedicated caretaker, Robin Wilford of Brookneal, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her dearly.