Tanya Anne Layne Massie, 82, passed away Thursday, December 13, 2018 at her home in Jacksonville, Florida, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith, and the love and prayers of family and friends carried her through more than 15 years of battling cancer. Her greatest supporter through her battle was her life partner, Herbert Swanstrom. Whether it be riding on the back of a motorcycle after chemo, taking a Sunday drive to Daytona or going out to dinner, Herb was with her. She did not let cancer dictate how she would live her life but did everything that she could to defy those odds.

She was born in Ironton, Ohio to James Willis Layne and Mildred Ballengee on August 28, 1936 and was the oldest of six children from Russell KY. She graduated from Russell High School, attended University of KY and continued her studies in Jacksonville at the University of North Florida. After receiving her college degree, Tanya continued her studies by attending adult education classes. Among her many interests, was horticulture. She worked at Publix as a florist until retirement.

Tanya was a homemaker, a mother, a wife, a partner, a grandmother and great-grandmother. Tanya was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the book club and a master of DIY projects from sewing to repair projects. Her interest was also peaked in researching the family genealogy with her brother James (Jim).

She is survived by; her life partner, Herbert Swanstrom; brothers, James Layne (Jim) and Charles Layne; sisters, Judy Wilcox and Kiz Layne; daughters, Laurie Brister and Megan Massie; grandchildren, Aaron Jones and Hannah Jones and great-grandchildren, James Jones, Levi Jones and Noah Jones.

A private inurnment service will be held at Arlington Park at a later time.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of Arlington Park Funeral Home, 6920 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32211 (904) 724-6384.