Renee Horne (Lansing)

Ms. Unice Renee Horne passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2025, after suffering a massive heart attack at her home in Lansing, Michigan. Age 54 years. She was born Tuesday, August 25, 1970, to Mary Nell Horne and Jessie Horne in Buchanan, Michigan.

Renee, as she preferred to be called, attended Benton Harbor schools during her elementary years. She then was transferred to Eau Claire Schools for a short period before moving to Berrien Springs, Michigan where she attended high school. She lived on the same street as Muhammed Ali who would wave to her as he strolled down the road. It was here where she met her first girl-friend, Pauline Steele and her children, including Kenneth Ringler where they developed a life-long bond. She met Sharon Fisher and her children, Christopher, Michael and Brandon as well where she was instrumental in their upbringing from birth to young adulthood. She met Tim Carlyle in high school and she referred to him as “her brother” and best friend. Tim and Renee had a bond that was never broken over time or distance. They cherished their friendship. Also, in Berrien Springs, she met her close friend, Tom Dickey. Their friendship endured throughout time and distance with Renee valuing their companionship until her death.

Renee returned to continuing education in Benton Harbor, Michigan at Kinexes where she was Valedictorian of her graduating class in 2014. She continued her education, attending college in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Kansas City, Missouri and in Lansing, Michigan where she studied Psychology. She enjoyed her Philosophy professor, Dr. Mark Hudson, with whom she spent time communicating about religion and philosophy. She respected and valued his opinion on these subjects.

Renee started working for Job Corps in high school, then worked in food preparation and service after attending culinary arts school in Kalamazoo, Michigan. By far, she enjoyed her job at Love’s Travel Stop. She made many friends, including Bryan Plaite, Casie Gibson, Kathryn Moton, Jessica Bagley, Christine and Taylor Zarka and many others. She enjoyed working in both the Deli and Hardees at the Travel Stop.

Renee’s health deteriorated after the loss of her beloved mother, Mary Nell Horne on September 10, 2023. A heartfelt thank you is extended to Sarah Wright, Nurse Practitioner and Dr. Angela Manzur. They provided individualized and compassionate care. There are truly not enough words to describe their attentive and intuitive medical care of Renee.

Renee was a dependable person. If she said she would do something, she would do it. If she was supposed to be there, she would be there. Renee was someone you could count on. She would call or text to check on her friends and family regularly. Renee was a helper, whether it be a listening ear, cooking or cleaning or donating her clothes or food. She just wanted to help people out because she knew what it felt like to need help. More than being helpful, Renee loved to laugh. Laughter cleared tears that only fell in private. She loved to watch videos or listen to jokes. She loved to watch people laugh. She loved trying not to laugh, then busting out in a loud belly roaring laugh. She loved to send her friends jokes, memos to make them smile. Her big smile will be remembered and missed always.

She was a person that had a calming and stabilizing presence. She encouraged people with a soft voice and tried to keep people at ease. She had a mercurial side to her when she would voice or give her opinions; sometimes unasked for. Renee was extremely outspoken, not holding back her feelings on important topics to her.

Renee loved music, all genres from African, Country, Classic Rock, Rhythm and Blues, Rap, Jazz and instrumentals. She loved hearing musicians play the saxophone. She would make musical lists on computers or YouTube, mixing notes and beats that spanned all genres. Music uplifted her so much she thought about being a disc jockey.

She enjoyed cooking. She cooked without using measuring cups or spoons. She made burgers, lasagna, spaghetti, chicken and barbeque ribs so well-seasoned you would not need salt or pepper. Both of her parents cooked splendidly and taught her well. She was always willing to teach others her recipes, but they could never be replicated in the special ways she prepared them.

Renee was uniquely herself. She believed in the healing qualities of marijuana and she smoked regularly. She had suffered many injuries, much trauma and had recurring nightmares due to post traumatic stress disorder. Those who knew Renee personally knew of her ordeals, her anxieties and fears. The medical marijuana card would help her with her pain and sadness. Now all of this is finished as her spirit has left her crumbling body. Now she rests with her loved ones waiting to see all of her living loved ones once again.

She is survived by her children including Kenneth Ringler, Christopher, Michael, and Brandon Fisher, and Jason Theodore; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She loved each one individually and collectively.

Preceding her in death are her father, Jessie Horne, Dad, Emory Fortson and mother, Mary Nell Horne (Selby); siblings, Raymond, Eunice, Tonya and Demarko.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Bath American Legion, 5480 Clark Road, Bath, Michigan 48808 beginning at 2:00 p.m. A light luncheon will be served. All of her friends and family are invited.