Frances Matina Lane, known as Tina, passed away on January 9, 2026, at the age of 63.
Tina was born on October 22, 1962, in Mobile, Alabama. Growing up, she was an avid gymnast and rarely watched tv without hanging upside down on the couch. She also earned the title “Tiny Tina” for her small but mighty stature in karate.
She attended Mary G. Montgomery High School and was a member of the Gayfer’s Teen Board, an elite group of academically screened young women who promoted fashion, style, and poise among younger clients. She was well known for her intricate display skills.
In 1981, Tina married William “Billy” Grimes, and together, they opened the coastal lifestyle, surf, and skate shop, Hot Tropics. They put on the first indoor skate competition, “Southern Fried Shred,” in an airplane hangar at Brookley Field in April of 1986. The competition brought Tony Hawk and other notable skateboarders to Mobile.
In 1989, Tina welcomed her daughter, Sarah Ellen Grimes, who was the light of her life.
In May of 2022, she took on her favorite title, “GG”, when her grandson Barrett was born. She adored spending time with all three of her grandchildren.
Tina added an extra “pizazz” to everything she did in life. She was talented and left a lasting impact on all she encountered. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her. Her family appreciates all the wonderful memories that have been shared with them.
She is preceded in death by her grandmother, Edith “E.O.” Lane; her father, Mickey Lane; her mother, Maye Keao; and her stepfather, Leroy Keao.
She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Nisewonger (John); her grandchildren, Barrett, Lincoln and Natalie Nisewonger; her sister, Lesleigh Lane Dodd; her brothers, William Mark Lane (Michelle) and David Keao; and the nieces and nephews she loved dearly, Beau Dodd, Meryl Stride (Dave), Lauren Allison (David), and Corey Lane (Sarah).
Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 PM on Thursday, January 22, 2026, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 PM, at City Hope Church Malbis Campus, 29964 St. Basil Street, Daphne, Alabama.
Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assiting the family.
Dear Sarah and family, I will always remember Tina as an intensely loving mother who took great pleasure in the smiles and adventures of her sweet Sarah.. she cherished you . My daughter Emma benefited from the overflow of her love.. May God unfold all of you with his love and peace as you grieve and adjust.
Much love,
Tina was vibrant, nurturing, loving, sincere, and extremely talented. She was a key element in the success of Hot Tropics back in the day. Her “Skate Kids” were top priority and she loved and cared for them like her own. Our daughter Sarah was her world and she was a great Mother. She touched so many lives in a positive and sincere way. The many children she supported through Hot Tropics remember her as “Mom” to this day. That’s a beautiful legacy to live on and she will be greatly missed.